What is Base64 encoding?
It converts binary data into a text format using 64 printable ASCII characters.
It represents binary data in ASCII text using a 6 bit binary to text encoding scheme. Base64
is commonly used to send binary data over text-based systems.
Why is encoding used?
The main purpose is to convert binary data into a text format that can be
safely transmitted over text-based systems. For example, it is used to encode
attachments in email, embed images in HTML, and transmit binary data in URLs. It
is also used in authentication systems like Basic Auth to send credentials.
What are the main use cases for Base64?
- Encoding :
- file attachments in emails
- binary data sent in URLs
- REST API credentials
- user credentials in Basic Authentication
- Embedding images in HTML and CSS
- Converting binary data to string format in programming
How does Base64 encoding work? Can you explain the algorithm?
How does it transform binary data into a text-based representation?
The algorithm works by converting binary data into ASCII text using a
64-character set. Here is a quick overview of how it works:
- The binary data is broken into 24-bit chunks (3 bytes of 8 bits each).
- Each 24-bit chunk produces 4 6-bit sections (24 / 6 = 4 chunks of 6 bits).
- Each 6-bit binary section is mapped to an ASCII character based on a translation table.
The table uses 64 printable ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /).
- The mapped ASCII characters are concatenated together into the encoded output.
For example, the 3 bytes [01100010 01101001 01101110] would get split into 4 6-bit sections:
011000 = V
010110 = W
001100 = L
000110 = G
These 6-bit values map to ASCII characters "VWLG". This text-based representation encodes
the original binary input in a format that can be safely transmitted over text protocols.
The decoding process reverses these steps to convert the ASCII text back to the binary data.
So Base64 provides a way to convert raw binary into a text format.
How can I Base64 encode or decode data?
Use our free online tool! Simply enter or paste your binary
data or encoded data into the input box. Then select either "Encode" or "Decode" and
the conversion will be performed for you.
For developers, most languages like JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP also provide
encoding/decoding functions.
What are some examples of Base64 encoding and decoding?
Encode binary data
Input (binary): [01100010 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110010 01111001]
Encoded: YmluYXJ5
Decode encoded data
Input (Base64): YmluYXJ5
Decoded (binary): [01100010 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110010
01111001]
So in summary, Base64 helps convert binary data to text format for transmission
over text-based systems and the internet. Our encoder/decoder makes it easy to convert your
data.