Hamming Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hamming

[ˈhæmɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

coding theory

Hamming refers to a method of error detection and correction in data transmission. Named after Richard Hamming, this coding system utilizes parity bits to help identify and correct errors that may occur during the transmission of binary data. Hamming codes enable the detection of two-bit errors or correction of one-bit errors, making it an essential element in the design of reliable communication systems. The effectiveness of Hamming codes has made them widely used in computer science and telecommunications.

Synonyms

error-correcting code, parity check.

Examples of usage

  • Hamming codes are essential for reliable data transmission.
  • The Hamming distance is used to measure error-correcting codes.
  • We implemented Hamming correction in our network protocol.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Hamming codes are used in various technologies, including computer memory and DVD data to ensure integrity.
  • These codes allow computers to detect and correct single-bit errors without needing to resend the entire message.
  • The application of Hamming codes has paved the way for advancements in error correction in modern communications.

Science

  • Error correction is crucial in fields like telecommunications, satellite communications, and data storage systems.
  • The concept helps maintain the reliability of data transmission over noisy channels, which is a common issue in technology.
  • Scientists study these techniques to improve information accuracy in big data handling.

Education

  • Richard Hamming was also a professor and contributed significantly to the field of computer science education.
  • He emphasized the importance of understanding the practical applications of theoretical concepts in computing.
  • He advocated for interdisciplinary studies, blending mathematics and engineering in education.

Pop Culture

  • Hamming's work influenced movies and shows about computer science and technology, highlighting the complexities of error correction.
  • His name sometimes appears in tech forums and discussions about error detection systems.
  • Various tech enthusiasts reference Hamming codes in games and coding competitions as a nod to his contributions.

Origin of 'hamming'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'Hamming' comes from Richard Hamming, an American mathematician and computer scientist who developed the concept in the 1950s.
  • Initially, it was introduced in his paper titled 'Error Detecting and Error Correcting Codes'.
  • His name became associated with coding theory, leading to the phrase 'Hamming code'.

The term 'Hamming' is derived from Richard Hamming, an American mathematician and computer scientist who developed the concepts of Hamming codes in the 1950s. Richard Hamming was instrumental in the development of computer science as a field, and his work laid the foundation for various error correction methods used in digital communications and data storage. Hamming codes were introduced in his paper 'Error Detecting and Error Correcting Codes' published in 1950, where he presented a framework for using parity bits to detect and correct errors in binary data. This innovation was significant because, at the time, reliable data transmission was becoming increasingly crucial as computers started to converse over networks. The idea of Hamming distance, which measures how different two strings of equal length are, also came from his extensive studies in error detection. Today, Hamming codes remain a vital topic in coding theory and are used in various modern applications, from mobile communications to data storage systems.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,518, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.