What is a codec in computer terms? and what does it do?

Question

What is a codec in computer terms? and what does it do?

Answer 1

A codec is a coder/decoder.  It is either hardware or software, and translates between a coded and uncoded data scheme. Often used in video or audio to translate between coded data stream and the picture/sound output.

Answer 2

Codec = file compression-decompression, codecs are computer programs that compress and decompress different types of files.

Examples Video and Audio just to name two...hope this helps

Answer 3

CODEC : A method of COmpressing and DECompressing files such as video.  Each compressed file type must have a suitable associated CODEC

A codec is a computer algorithm that defines the way the captured audio or video is encoded. It is important that the client has the same codecs that the source used to encode the stream, otherwise it will not be able to decode it. Effectively meaning the user will not be able to listen or watch it. Codecs are often the source of many problems, especially in the world of video.