What Is Data Compression?

Data compression is the process of shrinking an application buffer so it can be transmitted more quickly across a network or to a remote domain. By setting a maximum size for an application buffer, you can make sure that compression is triggered automatically for application buffers that match or exceed a specified size. When the buffer arrives at its destination, its data is decompressed, that is, restored to its original size.

Data compression, performed before files are shipped between machines, improves network performance. The process of compression enhances security slightly because it involves scrambling the data.

Note: Data compression also occurs frequently during encryption.

Data Compression