Parity Checking vs.

Checksum Methods of error checking

Parity checking is a method of checking for errors in data transmission using an additional bit called
a parity bit. When an odd parity is chosen, the number of ones in the nine bits must be odd. If an
error has occurred in a single bit, then the parity will be different and an error in transmission has
occurred.

Checksum is a method of checking for errors in data transmission by counting the number of bits in
a data packet. If the count matches, it is assumed that a complete transmission was received.

Although these two methods are similar they both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
However, parity checking is arguably the safest method, because within the checksum method a bit
can be out of place and the receiving end of the data packet would not be able to identify which was
miss placed.