Base64 Encoding

Base64 encoding uses 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /) to represent binary data.

Why it's needed

• Email systems and HTTP headers expect text, not raw binary.
• Prevents data corruption when binary is sent through text channels.
• Enables embedding images in HTML/CSS (data URIs).

Common uses

• Encoding credentials in HTTP Basic Authentication.
• Embedding images in emails or JSON.
• Encoding JWT tokens for API authentication.
• Storing binary data in JSON or XML.