audio codecs

Audio codecs are software or hardware that compress and decompress digital audio data. They enable efficient storage and transmission of sound by reducing file size while preserving sound quality. Common audio codecs include MP3, AAC, and WAV. Each codec has different characteristics, balancing quality, size, and compatibility with devices and platforms. For example, MP3 is widely used for music because it achieves good quality at smaller file sizes, making it ideal for streaming and downloading. Essentially, codecs help make audio files manageable without sacrificing too much on sound fidelity.