Convert PNM to GIF

The PNM (Portable Anymap) file extension, developed by Jef Poskanzer in the 1980s, stands for Portable Any Map. It is an uncompressed raster graphics format designed for portable image storage and exchange, encompassing three sub-formats: PBM (Portable Bitmap), PGM (Portable Graymap), and PPM (Portable Pixmap). PNM files store image data in plain text or binary format, ensuring easy usage across different platforms and applications. This format is widely supported by various image editing software and is valued for its simplicity and lossless compression.

The Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) is a bitmap image format developed by CompuServe in 1987. It is widely used for its support of animated images, allowing for the compression of graphics with low file sizes and without compromising quality. It's particularly popular on the internet for memes, short animations, and simple graphics due to its ability to loop animations seamlessly. GIFs support up to 256 colors and use the LZW compression algorithm to minimize file size. The format's historical significance lies in its ability to efficiently store and transmit images in an era of slower internet speeds and remains a staple in digital communication and web design today.