Quick definition · 2 min Coding term
Base64
Base64 represents any data, including images or files, using only plain text characters, so it can travel safely through systems that expect text.
Think of it like
Like translating a picture into a long string of letters and numbers so you can paste it into something that only allows text.
Example
A small icon can be embedded right in a web page as a Base64 string instead of a separate file. It is encoding, not encryption.
Why it matters
Base64 shows up in data URLs, JWTs, and API payloads. It looks scrambled but hides nothing, so never use it to protect secrets.
Where you’ll see it
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