About Base64 Encoding

Base64 encoding schemes are 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 ASCII. This is to ensure that the data remain intact without modification during transport.

Each Base64 digit represents exactly 6 bits of data. So, three 8-bits bytes of the input string/binary file (3×8 bits = 24 bits) can be represented by four 6-bit Base64 digits (4×6 = 24 bits). Characters used in Base64 encoding are A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, / and =

Is Base64 considered encryption? What is the difference between Base64 encoding and Encryption?

Base64 encoding is NOT encryption and does not provide any data protection. Encryption uses a secret key that is not shared and data cannot be reversed without encryption key. Unlike encryption, Base64 does not use any key and can be reversed easily using Base64 decoder.

When do you use Base64 ?

Base64 encoding is primarily used to store or transmit string representation of binary data. For example, images are stored or transmitted in Base64 encoded format in web applications.