Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into an ASCII string. This method is widely used for encoding data that needs to be transmitted over text-based channels, ensuring data integrity during transport.
In Base64 encoding, every three bytes of binary data are transformed into four characters from a set of 64 characters, which include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This conversion increases the data size by approximately 33% due to the expansion from three bytes to four characters.
Base64 encoding is used to encode binary data, especially when storing or transmitting it over text-based media. Its primary function is to maintain data integrity during transport. This method is utilized in various applications, including email via MIME and storing complex data in XML or JSON. Base64 is a term for encoding schemes that convert binary data into a base-64 representation by treating it as a number. The name "Base64" originates from a specific MIME content transfer encoding.
Base64 encoding converts binary data into a set of 64 characters. The standard set includes A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, and /. The data is stored in an ASCII string format using these characters, making it safer to transmit over text-based systems. For example, the word "Man" is encoded as TWFu in Base64.
Bytes representing the letters M, a, and n (77, 97, and 110) convert into binary sequences (01001101, 01100001, and 01101110). These sequences are combined into a 24-bit buffer, which is then divided into four 6-bit groups. Each group is converted into a Base64 character, resulting in the encoded string.
The Base64 Encoder/Decoder is a free online tool that converts strings to Base64 and vice versa. Base64 encoding allows developers to store data as a string, including image data in formats like JPG, PNG, or SVG. Base64's 64-character set is widely supported, making it a preferred choice for text-based data transmission.
Base64 encoding is frequently used by Java developers for encoding binary data, especially when storing or transmitting over text-based media:
java.util.Base64
class provides methods for encoding and decoding Base64 data.Base64.getEncoder()
method to obtain a Base64.Encoder
for converting byte data or strings into a Base64 string.Base64.getDecoder()
method to obtain a Base64.Decoder
for converting Base64 strings back into bytes.Base64 encoding is essential for converting binary data to text format and back, used in various applications like email, XML, JSON, and text-based data transmission. By converting binary data into a set of 64 characters, Base64 encoding ensures data integrity during transport, despite increasing data size by 33%.
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