# Encoding

> Source: https://sukruyusufkaya.com/en/glossary/encoding
> Updated: 2026-05-13T20:49:11.478Z
> Type: glossary
> Category: veri-bilimi-ve-veri-yonetimi
**TLDR:** The process of converting categorical data into numerical representations that models can process.

<p>Encoding is the process of converting categorical variables into numerical forms suitable for machine learning algorithms. Methods such as one-hot encoding, ordinal encoding, and target encoding are chosen depending on the data structure and problem type. Poor encoding choices may cause the model to learn relationships between categories that do not actually exist. For that reason, encoding is not merely a formatting step, but a representational design decision. Especially with high-cardinality categories, the right encoding strategy can make a major difference in performance and generalization.</p>