Part 2/8:
Every file, whether it's a video, sound, text, or image, consists of sequences of bits (1s and 0s). A straightforward solution to correct bit errors would be to store three copies of each bit, relying on a majority vote to determine the correct value. While this method provides redundancy, it may use up two-thirds of the storage space—an inefficient trade-off.
The key challenge is how to develop a more space-efficient method that still maintains robust error detection and correction capabilities. For instance, one method allows data to be stored in 256-bit blocks. By using only nine bits for redundancy and allowing 247 bits to hold meaningful information, machines can detect and correct single-bit errors effectively, a feat that feels almost magical.