Base64 Encoder/Decoder

What is Base64?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme used to convert binary data (like images, files, or multimedia) into ASCII text. It represents binary data using a set of 64 printable characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, and /), making it easy to transmit or store data in text formats like JSON, HTML, or XML.

For example, the string “hello” is encoded as aGVsbG8= in Base64.

Why Use Base64 Encoder/Decoder?

Base64 encoding is often used for:

1. Data Transmission: Encoding binary data (such as images or files) into Base64 ensures safe transmission through text-based systems, such as email or web forms, which can’t handle raw binary data.
2. Embedding Files in Web Pages: Base64 allows embedding small images or files directly within HTML or CSS, avoiding the need for external file requests.
3. Encoding Authentication Data: Base64 is used to encode sensitive information (e.g., API keys or credentials) to include in HTTP headers or request bodies, although it doesn’t offer encryption.

Base64 Encoding and Decoding Example

Here’s an example of encoding a string into Base64 format:

BeforeBase64 Encoding

"Hello, World!"

After Base64 Encoding

"SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ=="

Types of URI Characters

In URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers), characters are divided into three categories:

1. Unreserved Characters
   These characters can be used freely in a URI without needing to be encoded:
   • Alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9)
   • Special characters: -, _, ., and ~
2. Reserved Characters
   These characters have special meanings in URIs (e.g., as separators) and must be percent-encoded if used outside their context:
   • !, #, $, &, ', (, ), *, +, ,, /, :, ;, =, ?, @, [, ]
3. Unsafe Characters
   These characters should be percent-encoded as they may not be interpreted correctly in a URI:
   • Space (), <, >, {, }, |, \, ^, ~, ".