What is the function of the compressor in a jet engine?

The compressor increases the pressure and temperature of incoming air before it enters the combustor. It consists of rotating blades (rotors) that accelerate air and stationary blades (stators) that convert velocity into pressure. There are two types: axial compressors (used in most jet engines, higher flow, multiple stages) and centrifugal compressors (compact, robust, used in smaller engines). Compression ratio per stage is limited by blade aerodynamics; modern engines use 10-15 stages to achieve overall pressure ratios of 40-50:1.