Encoding
From Freepedia
The word encoding has a number of meanings.
- A character encoding is a code that pairs a set of natural language characters (such as an alphabet or syllabary) with a set of something else, such as numbers or electrical pulses.
- Text encoding uses a markup language to tag the structure and other features of a text to facilitate processing by computers. (See also Text Encoding Initiative.)
- A semantics encoding of formal language A in formal language B is a method of representing all terms (e.g. programs or descriptions) of language A using language B.
- Line encoding or modulation transforms a signal into a form optimized for transmission or storage.
Encoding is different from encryption in the sense that encoding does not need a key (or a salt), while encryption does need it.



