What is the goal of "data compression"?

The goal of data compression is to reduce the amount of data needed to represent information. This is achieved by using algorithms and techniques that eliminate redundancy and minimize the size of the data without losing its essential content. Compressing data allows for more efficient storage and faster transmission, which is particularly important in environments with limited bandwidth or storage capacity, such as online services, mobile applications, and databases.

When data is compressed, it often results in smaller file sizes, making it easier to manage and transfer. For example, images can be compressed using formats like JPEG or PNG, where the information is reduced in size while maintaining a level of quality that's acceptable for viewing. Similarly, text can be compressed using algorithms like Huffman coding or ZIP compression, allowing for more efficient storage.

The other options, while they address different aspects of data management or security, do not accurately describe the primary goal of data compression. Secure information pertains to encryption and protection methods, simplifying data structures relates more to data organization rather than size, and improving speed of data retrieval deals with optimization rather than data size reduction.