Encoding scheme for numeric-like data types

A method, comprising:

• encoding, by an encoding engine, consecutive sections of a received data stream that includes a stream of values, comprising:
• identifying a minimum value in a section of the stream;
• determining, for each value in the section of the stream, respective differences with the minimum value;
• including in an encoded version of the section:
• the minimum value;
• a mask value that is combined with respective portions of the respective differences to generate the respective differences of each value in the section;
• and
• the respective portions of the respective differences.

One or more non-transitory, computer-readable storage media, storing program instructions that when executed on or across one or more computing devices cause the one or more computing devices to implement:

• obtaining a data stream that includes a stream of values;
• encoding consecutive sections of the data stream, wherein, in encoding the consecutive sections of the data stream, the program instructions cause the one or more computing devices to implement:
• identifying a minimum value in a section of the stream;
• determining, for each value in the section of the stream, respective differences with the minimum value;
• including in an encoded version of the section:
• the minimum value;
• a mask value that is combined with respective portions of the respective differences to generate the respective differences of each value in the section;
• and
• the respective portions of the respective differences.