Sampling by Coding

Definition ∞ Sampling by coding refers to a data compression or data representation technique where information is not directly stored but rather encoded in a manner that allows for its reconstruction or estimation through specific algorithms. Instead of storing every data point, a compact code is generated from which statistical properties or representative samples of the original data can be derived. This method is often employed for efficiency in large datasets. It reduces storage and processing overhead.
Context ∞ In the context of large-scale blockchain data or distributed computing, sampling by coding could potentially optimize storage and processing requirements for network nodes. For instance, light clients might use such techniques to verify transaction states without downloading the entire blockchain history. This approach holds promise for enhancing the scalability and efficiency of decentralized networks, a frequent topic in blockchain technical discussions. It could significantly improve network performance.