🔐 Base64 Encoder/Decoder

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format by translating it into a radix-64 representation. It's commonly used when there is a need to encode binary data that needs to be stored and transferred over media that are designed to deal with text.

🟢 When to Use Base64 Encoding

🔴 When Not to Use Base64 Encoding

How Base64 Encoding Works

Base64 encoding works by dividing the input bytes into groups of 6 bits. Each 6-bit group is then converted to a corresponding character from the Base64 alphabet:

1. Take the input binary data and split it into 24-bit groups (3 bytes)
2. Divide each 24-bit group into four 6-bit chunks
3. Convert each 6-bit value to a corresponding Base64 character
4. If the input isn't divisible by 3, padding characters (=) are added

Base64 Alphabet

The Base64 alphabet consists of 64 characters:

• Uppercase letters A-Z (26 characters)
• Lowercase letters a-z (26 characters)
• Digits 0-9 (10 characters)
• Special characters + and / (2 characters)
• The padding character = (used at the end)

Base64 Encoding Best Practices

• Use Base64 only when necessary for compatibility with text-based systems
• Be aware that Base64 increases data size by approximately 33%
• Consider using proper binary formats when possible for efficiency
• Validate Base64 strings before attempting to decode them
• Use URL-safe Base64 variants (with - and _ instead of + and /) for URL parameters
• Combine Base64 with proper encryption when dealing with sensitive data