Adaptive multiple dictionary data compression

摘要

A system and method for compressing and decompressing data using a plurality of data compression mechanisms. Representative samples of each block of data are tested to select an appropriate one of the data compression mechanisms to apply to the block. The block is then compressed using the selected one of the mechanisms and the compressed block is provided with an identifier of the selected mechanism. For decompression, the identifier is examined to select an appropriate one of the data decompression mechanisms to apply to the block. The block is then decompressed using the selected one of the mechanisms.