Learn in the textbookMultimedia Basics, Delivery, and Rights Protection
DefinitionEncoding (エンコード) converts data into another form of representation, a code, according to set rules; in Japanese it is also called 符号化.
ExplanationWhen audio or video is encoded, compression, which reduces the amount of data, is usually done at the same time, shrinking the space needed to store or send it. For example, turning a voice recording into an MP3 file is encoding.
AnalogyIt is like folding your belongings in a set way and packing them into boxes for a move: they become easier to carry, but you cannot use them as they are.
Memory hookThe prefix en- means "put into", so encoding puts data into a code.