Encoding and Base64

Encoding

Why Encode Data?

Encoding prevents invalid values during transmission (communication can have various issues with cookies, etc.)

Example: Base64 in Android

result = Base64.encodeToString(bytes, Base64.NO_WRAP);

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Why Use Base64?

Use Cases

1. Converting binary data to text

   • When you need to handle binary data as text

2. Storing binary in databases

   • Databases often cannot store raw binary values directly
   • Convert binary to text format

3. Embedding images in HTML

   • Include images directly without external links (inline images)

When to Use Base64

1. Not needed when:

   • Both sides have same encoding/decoding rules
   • Data is already binary (like images)
   • Start and end of binary data is clear

2. Required for:

   • Data managed by humans (DBMS, Excel, etc.)
   • Binary data must be represented as ASCII

3. For different character sets:

   • Use BASE64/HEX as intermediate format to transfer binary data between systems with different character sets

Reference

• OKKY Discussion on Base64

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Originally published at https://dss99911.github.io