Base64 Encoding and Decoding in Golang: Examples

Base64 Encoding and Decoding in Golang: Examples

hebobibun
hebobibun
Golang

Table of Contents

  • What is Base64 Encoding and Decoding?
  • How to Base64 Encode and Decode in Golang
    • Base64 Encoding in Golang
    • Base64 Decoding in Golang
  • Explanation
  • The Result
  • Conclusion

Base64 encoding and decoding in Golang are crucial skills for any developer. These techniques enable the representation of binary data in a human-readable format and its retrieval back to its original form. In this article, we’ll explore how to perform both Base64 encoding and decoding in Golang with easy-to-follow examples.

What is Base64 Encoding and Decoding?

Base64 encoding is the process of converting binary data into a plain text format, making it suitable for purposes like data transmission and storage. Decoding, on the other hand, reverses this process, converting Base64-encoded data back into its original binary form.

How to Base64 Encode and Decode in Golang

In Golang, we can use the encoding/base64 package to easily perform both encoding and decoding. Let’s take a look at the code snippets for each:

Base64 Encoding in Golang

package main

import (
	"encoding/base64"
	"fmt"
)

func main() {
	data := []byte("Hello, World!")

	// Encode data to Base64
	encoded := base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString(data)
	fmt.Println(encoded)
}

Output :

SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==

Base64 Decoding in Golang

package main

import (
	"encoding/base64"
	"fmt"
)

func main() {
	encoded := "SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ=="

	// Decode Base64-encoded data
	decoded, err := base64.StdEncoding.DecodeString(encoded)
	if err != nil {
		fmt.Println("Error decoding:", err)
		return
	}

	fmt.Println(string(decoded))
}

Output :

Hello, World!

Explanation

  • For encoding, we use base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString() to convert data to Base64.
  • For decoding, base64.StdEncoding.DecodeString() is employed to retrieve the original data.

The Result

After encoding, you’ll receive a Base64 encoded string. Upon decoding, you’ll retrieve the original data.

Conclusion

Mastering Base64 encoding and decoding in Golang opens up a world of possibilities for working with binary data. These techniques are essential for various applications, including web development and data storage. By utilizing the encoding/base64 package, Golang provides a straightforward solution for handling these operations efficiently. Remember, these skills are invaluable tools in any developer’s arsenal.

#Golang