Encoders / DecodersLesson 13Free preview

Base64

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Summary

Base64 is a way to convert binary data into text using 64 characters that is securely sent over text-based media. Each three bytes of data is converted to four Base64 characters, so the size increases by about a third. Base64 is not encryption: anyone can decrypt it without a key. This tool is often used to attach images to URI, email, or token data in HTTP.

Key points

Convert binary data to ASCII text with 64 character alphabets
Three bytes of input yield four output characters.
The mark = used as a padding to make the length of the quadratic
Base64 is not encrypted and does not hide data securely
Data size increases by about 33 percent after encoding.

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