Base64 Encode and Decode are two online tools that allow users to convert plain text or binary data into a format that can be transmitted over the internet without corruption. Base64 encoding takes binary data and converts it into a 64-character set of ASCII characters, which can be safely transmitted over email, social media, or other messaging platforms. Base64 decoding, on the other hand, takes a Base64-encoded string and converts it back to its original binary form.
1. Binary Conversion: Convert the data (text, images, etc.) into binary.
2. 6-bit Grouping: Divide the binary data into 6-bit blocks.
3. Character Mapping: Each 6-bit block is mapped to a Base64 character (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /).
4. Padding: If necessary, add = to make the output length a multiple of 4.
1. Remove Padding: Strip any = padding from the encoded string.
2. Character to Binary: Convert each Base64 character back to its 6-bit binary equivalent.
3. Reconstruct Data: Concatenate the 6-bit blocks back into the original binary format.
4. Original Format: If the original data was text, convert from binary using the appropriate encoding (typically UTF-8).
1. Character Mapping: On the basis of standard Base64, replace the plus ( + ) with a hyphen ( - ) and the slash ( / ) with an underscore ( _ ).
2. Padding: To accommodate URL transmission, padding characters (equal signs = ) at the end of the encoded string are typically removed.
1. Character Mapping: Convert hyphens ( - ) back to plus signs ( + ) and underscores ( _ ) back to slashes ( / ) for decoding.
2. Add Padding: If the length of the data after character mapping is not a multiple of 4, add equal signs ( = ) to the end of the string to ensure proper decoding.