GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) 

The GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) was introduced by CompuServe in 1987 as a method for compressing and displaying simple graphics online. The architecture of GIF uses indexed color with a palette of up to 256 colors and employs the Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) lossless compression algorithm to reduce file size. Each image is composed of raster data, and later versions added the ability to store multiple frames, enabling simple animations.

The GIF format quickly became popular in the early days of the internet because of its small file sizes and wide compatibility with web browsers. Its limitation to 256 colors made it less suitable for high-quality photographs but ideal for logos, icons, and animations.

Applications of GIF include web memes, short looping animations, graphical elements on websites, and low-color diagrams. Despite being technologically limited, GIF became an enduring cultural element online. In 1995, the patent issues with the LZW compression algorithm caused temporary concerns, but the format remained in use due to its entrenched popularity.

People use GIFs primarily by choice for communication and expression, especially for memes and social media, though its application in professional graphic design is limited. It remains iconic as an internet cultural tool, even though more modern formats like WebP and APNG can provide better compression and quality.