Base64

Noun · Development

Definitions

  1. An encoding scheme that represents binary data using 64 ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). Used to safely transmit binary data (images, files, keys) through text-only channels like JSON, email (MIME), URLs, and HTTP headers. Increases data size by ~33%.

    In plain English: A way to convert binary data (like images) into plain text so it can be safely included in JSON, emails, or URLs.

    Example: "The API returns the PDF as a base64 string in the JSON response — decode it on the client to get the actual binary file."

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