What is Base64?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme. It transforms binary data into a string of 64 printable characters. This is incredibly useful for embedding images in HTML or sending attachments in emails.
Encoding is NOT Encryption
A common mistake is thinking that Base64 is a way to secure data. It's not. Base64 is easily reversible by anyone. If you need to secure data, use actual encryption algorithms like AES or RSA.
Common Use Cases
- Data URIs for images in CSS or HTML.
- Passing data in URLs that might contain restricted characters.
- Sending email attachments via SMTP.