The Mathematical Theory of Communication (book)

"The Mathematical Theory of Communication," by Claude Shannon, explores how information can be measured, transmitted, and optimized. It models communication systems mathematically, analyzing how messages can be encoded efficiently to reduce errors over noisy channels. The book introduces concepts like information entropy, which quantifies unpredictability or surprise in messages, and examines the limits of data compression and reliable communication. Overall, it provides a foundational framework that underpins modern digital communication, ensuring data is transmitted accurately and efficiently across various mediums like phones, internet, and broadcasting.