Information Theory for Computer Science

Information theory, developed by Claude Shannon, provides the mathematical foundation for understanding information, communication, and computation. It’s essential for data compression, cryptography, machine learning, and communication systems.

Core Concepts

What is Information?

Information theory quantifies information content, uncertainty, and the efficiency of information transmission and storage.

Key Applications in CS

• Data Compression: ZIP, JPEG, MP3
• Error Correction: Internet protocols, storage systems
• Cryptography: Encryption, key generation
• Machine Learning: Feature selection, model complexity
• Communication: Network protocols, wireless systems

Chapter Contents

1. Entropy and Information Content
2. Mutual Information and Correlation
3. Data Compression Theory
4. Error Correction Codes
5. Information in Machine Learning
6. Channel Capacity and Communication

Mathematical Prerequisites

• Basic probability theory
• Logarithms and exponentials
• Set theory and combinatorics
• Linear algebra (for advanced topics)

Tools and Libraries

• NumPy/SciPy: Numerical computations
• Matplotlib: Visualization
• scikit-learn: Information-theoretic metrics
• PyTorch/TensorFlow: Information theory in deep learning