Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW)

Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) is a data compression algorithm that reduces file size by replacing repeated patterns with shorter symbols. It works by building a dictionary of sequences as it reads the data. When a sequence has been seen before, LZW outputs its corresponding code instead of sending the full sequence. Over time, the dictionary expands, making compression more efficient. This method is used in formats like GIF images and ZIP files, helping to store data more compactly without losing any information. Essentially, LZW intelligently identifies and reuses patterns to streamline data storage.