How to Base64 Encode/Decode a String in Node.js

Base64 encoding is used when there is a need to encode binary data, especially when that data needs to be stored and transferred over media designed to deal with text.

Base64 Encoding in Node.js

To encode a string in Base64 in Node.js, you can use the Buffer.from().toString(‘base64’) method.

Here is the step-by-step guide to encode base64 string in Node.js.

1. Create a new Buffer instance from the string you want to encode.
   
2. Use the toString() method to convert the Buffer instance to a base64 string.

const str = "Jawan Movie";

const base64Encoded = Buffer.from(str).toString('base64');

console.log(base64Encoded);

Output

SmF3YW4gTW92aWU=

Base64 Decoding in Node.js

To decode a Base64-encoded string to a plain string in Node.js, you can use the Buffer.from(encodedString, ‘base64’).toString(‘utf-8’) method.

const encodedString = "SmF3YW4gTW92aWU=";

const plainString = Buffer.from(encodedString, 'base64').toString('utf8')

console.log(plainString);

Output

Jawan Movie

The primary use case of Base64 encoding is when binary data, such as images or video, needs to be sent over email or used in web-based data formats like JSON or XML.

Krunal

Krunal Lathiya is a seasoned Computer Science expert with over eight years in the tech industry. He boasts deep knowledge in Data Science and Machine Learning. Versed in Python, JavaScript, PHP, R, and Golang. Skilled in frameworks like Angular and React and platforms such as Node.js. His expertise spans both front-end and back-end development. His proficiency in the Python language stands as a testament to his versatility and commitment to the craft.