How does compression affect multimedia files?

Compression is a technique used to reduce the size of multimedia files, which helps to optimize storage space and improve transmission speed over networks. When files are compressed, especially in formats like JPEG for images or MP3 for audio, the resulting file is smaller in size, making it easier to store and share.

However, this reduction in size often comes with a trade-off: a decrease in quality. In lossy compression formats, some data from the original file is permanently removed to achieve this reduction in size. For instance, a JPEG image may lose some details and sharpness, while an MP3 audio file may lose some audio fidelity. This is why it's important to consider the balance between file size and quality based on the specific needs of a project—for instance, whether the priority is speed or high fidelity.

This dynamic illustrates the essence of lossy compression, which is effective for convenience but can compromise the quality of multimedia content. By contrast, lossless compression retains all original data but may not reduce file sizes as significantly.