An improved method for encoding digital-data in a data processing system providing a buffer and utilizing a forward looking encoding process is disclosed. The forward looking encoding process includes the sequential steps of allocating a maximum number of bytes for a maximum size data-length field within the buffer and determining a data-length value for the digital data by encoding each of at least one portion of the digital data, the maximum size data-length field for receiving the data-length value. The forward looking encoding process also includes adjusting the maximum size data-length field, wherein the forward looking encoding process avoids a memory consuming duplication of the digital data.