The work and distribution of computers required a thorough approach to data transmission systems. But here the problem arises, which is how to transform the information that is ordinary and understandable to a person so that a machine can work with it? And the elements of solving this problem is the encoding and decoding of information.
The concept of "coding"
A collection of characters that correspond to certain elements of information or characteristics is called a code. And the process during which it is composed is called coding.
The encoding of information is carried out in order to present data in a compact and user-friendly form during its transmission and processing on computing devices. During coding, processing involves searching, sorting, and sorting the available data. The result is the output codes, and after decoding, they become the ultimate goal in the exchange of information between different computers.
What is meant by decoding?
Decoding is an operation that is inverse to encoding in its purpose. So, with it, according to a predetermined code, they find the relevant information or object. An example of such work is the example with phones. So, when a number is dialed (and, in fact, a code is transmitted in the form of electrical signals), it arrives at an automated telephone exchange. There it is decoded, and the technique “finds out” what the subscriber needs. In general, decoding is a rather complicated process, but if you think carefully about its essence, understanding what is happening and how will not be difficult.
How does the encoding process go?
The coding process can be manual or automated. So, with manual coding, pre-compiled catalogs are used, which indicate what corresponds to what. Then the signs are applied to a punched card or punched tape, they are entered into a computer, and the information is transcoded into a
machine code.Great popularity, not least because of ease, has acquired an automatic coding method. So, with him, everything is recorded with the help of words, generally accepted notation and numbers in a computer document. The resulting file is processed by a special machine. It encodes everything in such a way as to get the shortest machine code that makes it more convenient to search, sort and process data. A condition for the implementation of automatic coding is the presence of a dictionary in which one word corresponds to a specific code. With this approach, there is no need to classify information according to its meaning. Processing of information is carried out in a form understandable to machines, with which you can confidently work and focus processor power on the necessary actions. And the computer works with it due to the presence of key code. This is a single array of information used for all tasks. The search is carried out on the basis of the uniqueness of the relationship of features to the subject. As a rule, the search is performed by the bit address, but a serial registration number can be used without additional information.
There is another way to encode when data is sorted by its content. In other words, a classification is made in which only the main defining features play a role.
How is decoding performed?
The decoding of the received information depends on the encoding method, its type and characterizing features. So, getting the necessary information when another technique is selected with the pointer is quite problematic. Important here is the degree of security and data protection. When receiving electrical impulses, the technician checks whether it can process them. Decoding is a complex process, as during data transmission there may be signal loss with attendant consequences. In the case of receiving an affirmative answer, it is on the basis of certain signs engaged in decoding the received information according to the available data catalogs. If this is not possible, then the computer provides a procedure for ignoring, which allows you to filter out most of the information that is unnecessary or not intended for him. The main topic has been revealed, and we can make the assumption that the encoding and decoding of information no longer presents you with difficulties in understanding.
Types of Codes
If the symbols correspond to a certain subject or characteristic, such a code is called direct. If the code contains information about the required address, which indicates the location of the necessary information, this is the address. It is used to search for large amounts of information. The code may be presented in the form of binary encoding, byte, machine word, page and block. Encoding and decoding are just code operations. Do not forget about this, and then characterize them is not difficult.