What does JPEG stand for in the context of image files?

JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, which is the name of the committee that created the JPEG standard for compressing image files. This standard is widely used due to its ability to reduce the file size of images while maintaining acceptable quality, making it ideal for photography and web use.

The JPEG format employs lossy compression, which means it reduces file size by permanently eliminating certain information, primarily in a way that is most perceptible to the human eye. This characteristic is especially beneficial for digital photos where reducing file size without a significant visible loss in quality is crucial.

Understanding the correct term is important not only for recognizing the file format but also for comprehending the principles of image compression and the context in which images are utilized in technology.