Generally, . While the temptation of a free PDF is high—especially for students on a budget—several risks are involved:

At its core, is the mathematical study of the quantification, storage, and communication of information. It was pioneered by Claude Shannon in 1948. Coding Theory is the application of these principles to ensure that data is sent efficiently (Source Coding) and reliably (Channel Coding).

"Information Theory and Coding" by J. S. Chitode is a widely recommended textbook in the field of electronics and communication engineering. It is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of information theory, source coding, and error control coding. The book is known for its student-friendly approach, featuring a logical progression of topics from basic concepts to advanced mathematical models.