An audio code—more commonly referred to as an audio codec—is a specialized device or computer program capable of encoding and decoding digital audio data streams raw format versus compressed files. Codecs operate by compressing uncompressed audio waveforms to reduce file sizes or transmission bandwidth requirements for streaming and storage, and then decompressing them back into audible sound waves during playback. They are fundamental components in digital music distribution, telecommunications, voice-over-IP systems, and multimedia broadcasting, ensuring efficient transmission across diverse electronic networks.