Algorithmic information theory

Algorithmic information theory is a theory that looks at how computer programs can be used to compress information. It makes use of algorithms, which are like sets of instructions that tell the computer how to do something. It's like if someone wanted you to make a sandwich—they could give you a list of all the steps you need to do to make the sandwich, like "put the cheese on the bread" or "spread the mustard", and then you do each step one at a time until you finish the sandwich. Algorithmic information theory takes this idea and applies it to information—it looks at ways to compress the information so it takes up less space, or to make it easier to understand. For example, you could use an algorithm to take a long movie and make it into a shorter one with the same storyline!