What is base64 encoding and why is it sometimes necessary?
Base64 is a data encoding technique that allows binary data to be converted into a textual format. This is especially useful when we want to transmit data through protocols that only handle text, such as emails or various JSON formats. The article on FreeCodeCamp explains what Base64 encoding is, its applications, and how the encoding and decoding process works. Essentially, it involves breaking the data into blocks, which are then converted into appropriate ASCII characters. This means that even if the original data is in binary format, it can be easily transmitted and reconstructed on various platforms. It's worth noting that despite its many benefits, Base64 encoding increases the data size by about 33%, which can be a significant factor when transmitting large files. In summary, Base64 is a useful tool in a programmer's arsenal, enabling easier data exchange and storage in a textual format.