Base64 Encode vs Decode

Base64 encoding and decoding are two halves of the same process. While encoding translates binary data or text strings into an ASCII representation, decoding parses that string back into its original raw bytes.

In this guide, we'll compare both operations and look at how to use them.

Encoding: Translating Data

Encoding takes an 8-bit byte stream and breaks it into 6-bit chunks. Each 6-bit chunk maps to a character in the Base64 alphabet index.

Input String:

Hello

Encoded Base64:

SGVsbG8=

Decoding: Restoring Data

Decoding reverses the process by parsing the 6-bit Base64 characters back into their original 8-bit bytes.

Base64 String:

SGVsbG8=

Decoded Output:

Hello