The Fast Fourier Transform

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is an efficient algorithm that breaks down complex signals, like sound or images, into their basic building blocks—sine and cosine waves—across different frequencies. Think of it as a way to identify all the different tones or patterns that make up a signal, similar to how a prism splits light into colors. This process helps us analyze, filter, or process data more effectively in various applications, such as audio editing, image processing, and communications, by revealing the underlying frequency components quickly and accurately.