A compression method for a data transfer that is independent of computer architecture and/or a decompression method for a data record that contains structural indicators and variable values are provided. The method includes the following steps: provision of a string automaton, which represents the structuring rules of the data record in a unit that compresses the original data record; input of the data record into the string automaton; generation of a second, shorter data record by the string automaton, the record containing the variable values of the first data record and control symbols that are specific to the string automaton equipment, the symbols representing a switch from an automaton condition to a sequence condition; and transmission of the second data record to a similar string automaton, which interprets the control symbols, whereby a copy of the original data record with an identical data structure is generated.