Base64 encoding and decoding of data from Java. Encode and decode methods for Strings, byte arrays, and streams.
Base64 is needed in many places other than its original use as an encoding format for transferring attachments in email. It can be used anytime binary or arbitrary data needs to be represented in common printable characters. For example to connect to a web page that requires a username and password (basic authentication) you need to Base64 encode the username and password.
Use base64 to add a basic authentication to an HTTP request
URL url = new URL("....");
HttpURLConnection connection = (HttpURLConnection)url.openConnection();
connection.setRequestProperty(
"Authorization",
"Basic " + Base64.encode(
username + ":" + password
)
);
InputStream in = connection.getInputStream();
Be aware that Base64 encoding in not encryption. Base64 scrambles the output and it may appear to be unreadable, but it is easily deciphered by anybody with a little experience or time. Base64 encoded strings will often end in one or two equal signs, and they will have only letters, numbers, pluses, and slashes. Once somebody figures out that it is in Base64, it is just a matter of running the decode method on it. Furthermore, real encryption algorithms will change the entire output if one bit in the input changes. If you change a letter in a your message and then re-encode it with Base64, only a few characters will change. Base64 is not a substitute for encryption. Base64 used this way is obfuscation, and rather poor obfuscation at that. It may be a disservice to your users to use Base64 as obfuscation because it gives them the impression that their data is encrypted when it really isn't.
To run Base64 as a stand alone program use the following command line:
java -classpath utils.jar com.Ostermiller.util.Base64 <files>
Base64 [-eldagxfqQvV] <files> Encode or decode using the base64 format. If no files are specified standard input and output will be used. --help Print this help message. --version Print out the version number. --about Print out license and contact info. -g --guess Guess from contents whether to decode or encode. (default) -e --encode Apply base64 encoding. -l --lines Insert line breaks when encoding. (default) --nolines Insert no line breaks when encoding. -d --decode Remove base64 encoding. -a --decodeall When decoding, attempt badly formatted files. --decodegood Don't decode badly formatted files. (default) -x --ext <ext> File extension to use. (default: base64) -f --force Overwrite files without prompting --noforce Don't overwrite files. (default) -v --verbose Print a message for each file encoded or decoded. (default) -q --quiet Print error messages. -Q --reallyquiet Print nothing.
included languages:
Translations gladly accepted. Please translate Base64.properties. You may want to use: Attesoro - A Java Translation Editor
| Author | License | Features |
| Stephen Ostermiller com.Ostermiller.util.Base64 | Open source, GPL | Encodes and decodes strings, byte arrays, files, and streams from static methods. |
| Robert W. Harder Base64 | Open source, public domain | Encodes and decodes strings, byte arrays, and objects from static methods. It will encode and decode streams if you instantiate a Base64.InputStream or a Base64.OutputStream. |
| Roedy Green Java Glossary, com.mindprod.base64.base64 | Open source, freeware (except military) | Encodes from byte arrays to strings, decodes from strings to byte arrays. |
| Tom Daley JavaWorld Tip | unknown | Annotated code and nifty graphic that shows how Base64 encoding works. Supports byte array to byte array operations. |
| Sinotar com.sinotar.algorithm.Base64 | Open source, free only for personal use. | Encodes from byte arrays to strings, decodes from strings to byte arrays. |