What characterizes a "lossless" file type?

A "lossless" file type is characterized by its ability to maintain the original quality of the data during conversion or compression. This means that when a lossless file is saved and later retrieved, it remains identical to the original version, with no degradation in quality whatsoever. This is particularly important in applications where fidelity to the original data is crucial, such as in audio, video, or high-quality images.

Lossless compression algorithms work by finding and storing duplicate data within a file efficiently, allowing for file sizes to be reduced without any loss of information. Examples of lossless file types include formats such as FLAC for audio, PNG for images, and ZIP for general file compression.

The other options highlight characteristics that do not apply to lossless formats. Some files may indeed lose quality when modified or saved multiple times, and other methods might prioritize significant data reduction at the cost of fidelity, leading to loss in quality. Additionally, while there are file formats and methods that optimize data for streaming, they are not necessarily lossless. Thus, the defining feature of a lossless file type is its commitment to preserving the original data quality through various operations.