Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using only printable ASCII characters. Here's what it's commonly used for:
1. Safe Data Transmission:
Converts binary data (like images or files) into plain text.
Useful for sending data over mediums that only support text (e.g., email, JSON, XML).
2. Embedding Media:
Embed images, audio, or fonts directly into HTML/CSS as data URIs (e.g., <img src="data:image/png;base64,...">).
3. Web APIs and JWTs:
Used in JSON Web Tokens (JWT) and API keys to encode information safely and compactly.
4. File Encoding:
Encode files like PDFs or documents for inline display or safe download from web applications.
5. Upload/Storage in Databases:
Store small binary data (like profile pictures or documents) as text in databases.
1.Extract Original Files:
Decode Base64-encoded files back to their original binary format (e.g., reconstruct an uploaded image).
2. Inspect Encoded Data:
See the original message/content embedded in Base64—commonly used in debugging APIs and email headers.
3. Test and Development:
Developers use it to simulate file transfers, inspect payloads, and troubleshoot encoding issues.
Uses only ASCII characters, so it's safe for transport through systems that might corrupt binary data (e.g., email servers).
Not meant for encryption—it just encodes, not secures.