Can we compress random data

http://www.blaisemcrowly.in/technology/research/information-technology/2015/02/09/Can-we-compress-random-data.html

by TheAuditor • 11 years ago

1 10 11 years ago

gus_massa2• 11 years ago

This can be easily rebutted by the counting argument: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/compression-faq/part1/section-8.htm...

TheAuditor5• 11 years ago

There is a minimum size required size for the file (cant be compressed beyond a few bytes - even if repeatedly applied) and the argument is only valid when we assume the files can be compressed to zero bytes.

no claim is made to the effect saying "Can be compressed indefinitely"

As I have told, the efficiency of it being able to compress over and over and over again may have chance for data corruption unless better checks and methods are added. (which will again increase the minimum required file size. but you can still compress it)

gus_massa2• 11 years ago

Just for simplicity: Let's assume that I have a file of 1073741825 bytes = 1GiB+1B. And I want to put it inside my exactly 1073741824 bytes = 1GiB pendrive. (Just assume that the OS filesystem doesn't waste any space.)

Are you sure that this algorithm will compress my 1073741825 bytes file to a 1073741824 bytes or less file?

TheAuditor5• 11 years ago

Please note that data integrity checks will need additional data in the file. Hence it can never take the file to infinitely small proportions.

DaveK233• 11 years ago

The answer turns out to be 'no'.

There, saved you a click.

Can we compress random data

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