Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

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Enhance your readiness for the AP Computer Science exam with insightful quizzes. Deepen your understanding and master key concepts as you prepare for a successful test experience!

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What is a characteristic of lossless compression?

It results in reduced file sizes but loses quality.
It preserves all information allowing full recovery of the original.
It is used primarily for audio files.
It is less commonly used than lossy compression.

The correct answer is: It preserves all information allowing full recovery of the original.

A characteristic of lossless compression is that it preserves all information, allowing for the full recovery of the original data. This type of compression is essential in scenarios where retaining the integrity of the information is critical, such as with text files or image formats like PNG. Unlike lossy compression, which sacrifices some data quality in exchange for smaller file sizes—often appropriate for formats where perfect fidelity is less important, like certain audio files—lossless compression ensures that the decompressed file is identical to the original. This feature makes lossless compression particularly useful for applications where quality cannot be compromised, ensuring that every detail is intact after compression and decompression.