Run-Length Encoding
Full Form of RLE
What is RLE?
Run-Length Encoding (RLE) is a simple form of lossless data compression that replaces consecutive repeated data values (runs) with a single value and a count of how many times it appears. For example, a sequence of 100 identical pixels in an image can be stored as (value, 100) instead of repeating the value 100 times. This technique is particularly effective for data with long runs of identical symbols, such as binary images, simple graphics, and fax transmissions. In India, RLE is widely taught in computer science and information technology courses as a foundational algorithm for understanding compression. It is used in file formats like BMP and TIFF for storing image data, and in some early modem protocols. RLE is also relevant in competitive exams such as GATE, UGC NET, and state-level engineering entrance tests, where questions on compression techniques often appear. The algorithm's simplicity makes it a common starting point for learning about data compression before moving to more advanced methods like Huffman coding or Lempel-Ziv-Welch.
RLE का फुल फॉर्म
रन-लेंथ एन्कोडिंग
Example
In a BMP image of a black‑and‑white document, RLE compresses long runs of white pixels to significantly reduce the file size without losing any information.