Java 7 Guide to Base64 Encoding and Decoding

In contrast to Java 8 and later versions, which introduced the java.util.Base64 class, Java 7 requires a different technique to do similar tasks. This distinction frequently poses a particular barrier for developers who are accustomed to the more streamlined procedure in later versions. In this article, we will look at tactics and techniques for properly managing Base64 encoding and decoding in Java 7, providing insights for anyone working with this version of the language.

What is Base64?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding system that converts binary data into a set of 64 characters to express it in an ASCII string format.

Each group of three binary bytes (24 bits) in Base64 encoding is translated into four ASCII characters. If necessary, the encoded string may contain characters such as letters (A-Z, a-z), numerals (0-9), and two more characters (typically ‘+’, ‘/’) as well as padding characters (commonly ‘=’).

The name “Base64” refers to the fact that binary data is represented using a base of 64. It is neither an encryption or compression method; rather, it is a method of converting binary data to text for safe and efficient transmission.

What is Java?

Java is a versatile, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle Corporation). It is designed to be platform-independent, meaning that Java programs can run on any device that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. Java is known for its “write once, run anywhere” (WORA) philosophy, which allows developers to write code on one platform and execute it on another.

Java is widely utilized in a variety of sectors, including web development, mobile app development (Android), enterprise applications, scientific computers, and others. Its popularity arises from its adaptability, portability, and the vast ecosystem that supports it.

Base64 in Java 7

Before the introduction of the java.util.Base64 class in Java 8, developers had to rely on additional libraries or manual implementations to perform Base64 encoding and decoding in Java. However, the javax.xml.bind.DatatypeConverter class in Java 7 adds limited Base64 support.

The DatatypeConverter class converts binary data to and from Base64-encoded strings. While not as feature-rich as the java.util.Base64 class, it can be used in Java 7 environments for basic encoding and decoding.

Here’s a brief overview of how to use DatatypeConverter for Base64 encoding and decoding:

Encoding Binary Data to Base64 in Java 7

The printBase64Binary function can be used to convert binary data to a Base64-encoded string using DatatypeConverter. This method takes a byte[] array as input and returns a Base64-encoded string.

import javax.xml.bind.DatatypeConverter;
 
public class Base64Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        byte[] binaryData = "B64Encode".getBytes();
        String base64String = DatatypeConverter.printBase64Binary(binaryData);
        System.out.println("Base64 Encoded: " + base64String);
    }
}

Online Base64 Encoder

Decoding Base64 to Binary Data in Java 7

To decode a Base64-encoded string back to its original binary form, you can use the parseBase64Binary method. This method accepts a Base64-encoded string and returns the corresponding byte[] array.

import javax.xml.bind.DatatypeConverter;
 
public class Base64Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String base64String = "QjY0RW5jb2Rl";
        byte[] decodedData = DatatypeConverter.parseBase64Binary(base64String);
        String originalString = new String(decodedData);
        System.out.println("Decoded: " + originalString);
    }
}