Base64 Encoding Libraries Comparison
atob vs btoa vs base-64
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What's Base64 Encoding Libraries?

Base64 encoding libraries are essential tools in web development for converting binary data into a text format that can be easily transmitted over media that are designed to deal with textual data. They are commonly used for encoding images, files, and other binary data into a string format that can be safely included in URLs, JSON, or HTML. This encoding is particularly useful when dealing with data that needs to be stored and transferred over channels that only support text. Each of these libraries provides a different approach to Base64 encoding and decoding, catering to various use cases and environments.

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atob12,475,051---6 years ago(MIT OR Apache-2.0)
btoa3,717,841---7 years ago(MIT OR Apache-2.0)
base-642,647,673513-124 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: atob vs btoa vs base-64

Environment Compatibility

  • atob:

    The 'atob' function is a built-in JavaScript function available in web browsers, making it ideal for client-side applications that need to decode Base64 strings without any additional libraries.

  • btoa:

    The 'btoa' function is also a built-in JavaScript function available in web browsers, specifically for encoding strings to Base64. It is not available in Node.js, limiting its use to client-side applications.

  • base-64:

    The 'base-64' package is designed to work in both Node.js and browser environments, providing a consistent API for encoding and decoding Base64 data across different platforms.

Functionality

  • atob:

    The 'atob' function is solely focused on decoding Base64-encoded strings. It is simple and effective for converting Base64 back to binary data, but it does not provide encoding capabilities.

  • btoa:

    The 'btoa' function is dedicated to encoding strings into Base64 format. It is straightforward to use but lacks decoding capabilities, which may require additional handling if decoding is also needed.

  • base-64:

    The 'base-64' package offers both encoding and decoding functionalities, making it a more comprehensive solution for handling Base64 data. It allows for seamless conversion in both directions, catering to various use cases.

Ease of Use

  • atob:

    Using 'atob' is very straightforward as it is a built-in function. Developers can quickly decode Base64 strings with minimal code, making it user-friendly for quick tasks.

  • btoa:

    'btoa' is also easy to use, similar to 'atob'. It allows for quick encoding of strings into Base64 format, but its lack of decoding functionality may complicate workflows that require both operations.

  • base-64:

    The 'base-64' package is easy to use and provides a clear API for both encoding and decoding. Its simplicity and cross-environment compatibility make it a good choice for developers looking for a straightforward solution.

Performance

  • atob:

    The 'atob' function is highly optimized for decoding Base64 strings in the browser, making it fast and efficient for client-side applications. However, it may not handle large data sets as effectively as dedicated libraries.

  • btoa:

    The 'btoa' function is efficient for encoding small to medium-sized strings in the browser. However, like 'atob', it may not be the best choice for handling large binary data due to potential performance limitations.

  • base-64:

    The 'base-64' package is designed to be efficient and performs well in both Node.js and browser environments. It is suitable for applications that require frequent encoding and decoding of Base64 data without significant performance overhead.

Error Handling

  • atob:

    The 'atob' function does not provide built-in error handling for invalid Base64 strings, which can lead to runtime exceptions if the input is not properly formatted. Developers need to implement their own error handling.

  • btoa:

    The 'btoa' function also lacks built-in error handling for invalid input, which can result in exceptions if the string contains characters that are not valid for Base64 encoding. Developers must handle these cases manually.

  • base-64:

    The 'base-64' package includes error handling for both encoding and decoding operations, providing a more robust solution for developers who need to manage potential issues with invalid input data.

How to Choose: atob vs btoa vs base-64
  • atob:

    Choose 'atob' if you are working in a browser environment and need a simple, built-in method for decoding Base64-encoded strings. It is straightforward and does not require any additional dependencies.

  • btoa:

    Choose 'btoa' if you are specifically targeting browser environments and require a built-in method for encoding strings to Base64. It is simple to use but does not support decoding, making it less versatile than other options.

  • base-64:

    Choose 'base-64' if you need a cross-platform solution that works in both Node.js and browser environments. This package is lightweight and provides both encoding and decoding functionalities, making it versatile for various applications.

Similar Npm Packages to atob

atob is a JavaScript function that decodes a string of data encoded in base-64 format. It is commonly used in web applications to decode data that has been encoded for safe transmission over the internet, such as in URLs or when working with data from APIs. The atob function is built into most modern browsers, making it a convenient choice for developers looking to handle base-64 encoded data without needing to install additional libraries. However, there are alternatives that can also be used for base-64 encoding and decoding. Here are a few:

  • base-64 is a lightweight library that provides functions for encoding and decoding base-64 strings. It is designed to work in both browser and Node.js environments, making it a versatile choice for developers who need to handle base-64 data in different contexts. The base-64 library offers a straightforward API, allowing developers to easily encode and decode strings without worrying about browser compatibility issues that can arise with native functions like atob and btoa.
  • btoa is a JavaScript function that encodes a string in base-64 format. Similar to atob, it is a built-in function available in most modern browsers. While btoa is useful for encoding data, it is important to note that it only works with ASCII characters. For handling Unicode strings, developers may need to convert the string to a format compatible with btoa, which can add complexity to the implementation.

For a comprehensive comparison of these packages, check out: Comparing atob vs base-64 vs btoa.

Similar Npm Packages to btoa

btoa is a simple utility function that encodes a string in base-64 format. It is commonly used in web applications to encode data that needs to be safely transmitted over the internet, such as user credentials or binary data. While btoa is a straightforward solution for base-64 encoding, there are alternative libraries that offer similar functionality with additional features. Here are a couple of alternatives:

  • base-64 is a lightweight library that provides base-64 encoding and decoding functions. It is designed to work in both browser and Node.js environments, making it versatile for various applications. base-64 is a good choice if you need a reliable and cross-platform solution for encoding and decoding base-64 strings, especially when working with different environments or when you require additional encoding options.
  • js-base64 is another popular library for base-64 encoding and decoding in JavaScript. It offers a simple API and supports both browser and Node.js environments. In addition to standard base-64 encoding, js-base64 also provides URL-safe encoding options, which can be useful when working with data that needs to be included in URLs. If you are looking for a more feature-rich library that supports various encoding options, js-base64 is an excellent choice.

To see how btoa compares with base-64 and js-base64, check out the comparison: Comparing base-64 vs btoa vs js-base64.

Similar Npm Packages to base-64

base-64 is a lightweight JavaScript library that provides functions for encoding and decoding data in Base64 format. Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that is commonly used to encode binary data, such as images or files, into a text format that can be easily transmitted over media that are designed to handle textual data. The base-64 library is particularly useful in web applications where data needs to be encoded for transmission or storage.

While base-64 is a solid choice for Base64 encoding and decoding, there are alternatives available that offer similar functionality. One notable alternative is:

  • js-base64, which is another popular library for Base64 encoding and decoding in JavaScript. It provides a simple API for encoding and decoding strings, and it is designed to work seamlessly in both browser and Node.js environments. js-base64 is widely used and well-maintained, making it a reliable option for developers looking for Base64 functionality in their applications.

For a detailed comparison of these two packages, you can visit: Comparing base-64 vs js-base64.

README for atob

atob

| atob | btoa | unibabel.js | Sponsored by ppl

Uses Buffer to emulate the exact functionality of the browser's atob.

Note: Unicode may be handled incorrectly (like the browser).

It turns base64-encoded ascii data back to binary.

(function () {
  "use strict";

  var atob = require('atob');
  var b64 = "SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==";
  var bin = atob(b64);

  console.log(bin); // "Hello, World!"
}());

Need Unicode and Binary Support in the Browser?

Check out unibabel.js

Changelog

  • v2.1.0 address a few issues and PRs, update URLs
  • v2.0.0 provide browser version for ios web workers
  • v1.2.0 provide (empty) browser version
  • v1.1.3 add MIT license
  • v1.1.2 node only

LICENSE

Code copyright 2012-2018 AJ ONeal

Dual-licensed MIT and Apache-2.0

Docs copyright 2012-2018 AJ ONeal

Docs released under Creative Commons.

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