## Index → Modules

## Modules: Encoders

Encoders are Cherokee modules that can be used as filters. The most common usage is to compress information allowing you to save bandwidth. You should do that whenever you can since hardware is mostly unexpensive while bandwidth is not. Besides, the performance penalization suffered due to the compression process is trivial, and if the content is cached you will only suffer it once.

Of course it doesn't make sense to apply a processor intensive filter to content that can't take advantage of it (i.e., it doesn't make sense to try to compress an already compressed file because there is nothing to gain).

The encoders must be enabled or disabled in a per rule basis.

This is the list of currently provided encoders:

- gzip

- deflate