Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It is widely used for encoding data in URLs, embedding images in HTML/CSS, and transmitting data over systems that only handle text. Every 3 bytes of binary data are converted into 4 ASCII characters.
No. Base64 is an encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it. Do not use it to protect sensitive data.
The equals signs are padding characters that ensure the encoded data length is a multiple of 4 characters.
Yes, by approximately 33%. Every 3 bytes become 4 ASCII characters.