Process of Disk Compression
The key phases in compressing data for disk storage are:
- Analyze Data: The first step in compressing disk data is to analyze or completely understand the data inside disk. This is done with various algorithms like DEFLATE, LZMA, LZX, etc. During this process, the compression algorithm scans the data and finds similar or repeated patterns like repeated strings, digits, metadata, etc.
- Generate Tokens: The next is generating tokens which means the repetitive data that we have found in the last step is assigned a symbol instead of full-byte byte data. This is called generating the token. This means a token will represent a group of repetitive data or patterns. Generally, dictionary references, numerical encodings, etc. are used for shortened symbols
- Encoding: The input stream is parsed and transformed by substituting repeated occurrences of identified patterns with their representative tokens, creating a compressed data stream.
- Storage: Then the encoded and compressed data that we have generated through compression is written in disk in place of its original version. Because repetitive data is replaced by symbols the size of the compressed data is less than the original one and it saves some storage.
- Transmission: Optionally, the compressed data gets transferred over networks reaching destinations faster.
- Decompression: At access time, the substitution tokens are expanded back to their original full forms to reconstruct unchanged data as per application needs.
What is Disk Compression?
Disk compression refers to the process of encoding data on disk drives in a compact form that reduces storage volume requirements. Understanding what disk compression entails and how it works can help manage rising data needs. In this article, We will understand the process of disk compression, the uses of disk compression, and more.
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