The base64 library
The base64 library is a powerful tool for encoding and decoding data in a specific format. It allows you to convert binary data into a ASCII text format, which is useful for various purposes such as file transfer, data storage, and data manipulation. This page provides detailed information and examples on how to use the base64 library effectively.
Installation
To use the base64 library in your project, you need to install it first. Follow the steps below to install it:
- Open your terminal or command prompt.
- Navigate to your project directory.
- Run the following command to install the base64 library:
$ npm install base64
Once the installation completes, you can import and utilize the base64 library in your code.
Usage
Using the base64 library is straightforward. The library provides two main functions: encode
and decode
. These functions allow you to convert data to base64 and decode base64-encoded data respectively. Below are examples demonstrating how to use these functions:
Encoding data to base64
To encode data to base64, use the encode
function. The function takes a string or an array of bytes as input and returns the corresponding base64-encoded string. Here is an example:
import { encode } from 'base64'; const text = 'Hello, world!'; const encodedText = encode(text); console.log(encodedText); // Output: SGVsbG8sIHdvcmxkIQ==
Decoding base64-encoded data
To decode base64-encoded data, use the decode
function. The function takes a base64-encoded string as input and returns the decoded data in the form of either a string or an array of bytes. Here is an example:
import { decode } from 'base64'; const encodedText = 'SGVsbG8sIHdvcmxkIQ=='; const decodedText = decode(encodedText); console.log(decodedText); // Output: Hello, world!
Additional Functions
In addition to encoding and decoding, the base64 library provides additional functions to handle binary data and perform various operations. Here are some of the notable functions:
toByteArray
: Converts a base64-encoded string to an array of bytes.fromByteArray
: Converts an array of bytes to a base64-encoded string.toBase64URL
: Converts a base64-encoded string to a URL-safe base64-encoded string.fromBase64URL
: Converts a URL-safe base64-encoded string to a regular base64-encoded string.validate
: Validates if a given string is a valid base64-encoded string.
Feel free to explore the library’s documentation to find more details and examples regarding these additional functions.
Conclusion
The base64 library is a crucial tool for working with encoded data. With its powerful encoding and decoding functions, it simplifies data manipulation and enables seamless integration in various applications. By following the installation instructions and utilizing the provided examples, you can harness the capabilities of the base64 library effectively.