Abstract: Encoding and decoding between fixed and variable length binary codes to achieve data compression and decompression is performed without the necessity for storing the entire variable length minimum redundancy code format. In encoding, data is compressed by generating a minimum redundancy code of a bit length and binary value inversely proportional to the probability of an occurrence of the fixed length binary message from which the minimum redundancy binary code symbol is derived. The compressed binary symbols are transmitted or stored in serial form. In decoding, data is decompressed by sequentially generating portions of threshold binary symbols in the minimum redundancy code and comparing with corresponding portions of a received or recovered binary symbol as it is shifted through the decoder. The comparison results define the bit length and binary value of the binary symbol without the necessity for ever storing the binary symbol in its entirety.