Hamming code

Hamming code

An error correction method that intersperses three check bits at the end of each four data bits. At the receiving station, the check bits are used to detect and correct one-bit errors automatically.

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Hamming code [′ham·iŋ ‚kōd]

(communications)

An error-correcting code used in data transmission.

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(algorithm)

Hamming code - Extra, redundant bits added to stored or transmitted data for the purposes of error detection and correction. Named after the mathematician Richard Hamming, Hamming codes greatly improve the reliability of data, e.g. from distant space probes, where it is impractical, because of the long transmission delay, to correct errors by requesting retransmission.