Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT)

The Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) is a mathematical technique used to convert complex data, like images or signals, into simpler components called frequencies. Think of it as breaking down a musical chord into individual notes. In digital images, DCT helps identify bright or detailed areas by separating smooth regions from sharp edges. This process makes it easier to compress data efficiently—keeping essential information while reducing file size—used in image formats like JPEG to save storage and bandwidth without significantly losing quality.