Short-Time Fourier Transform

The Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) is a method used to analyze how the frequency content of a signal changes over time. Imagine taking a musical piece and dividing it into small, overlapping sections. For each segment, the STFT identifies which frequencies are present and their intensities, providing a detailed time-frequency map. This makes it useful for examining complex signals like speech or audio recordings, where the dominant sounds vary over time. Essentially, STFT helps us understand both when and which frequencies occur, offering a dynamic view of the signal’s structure.