What is @smithy/util-base64?
The @smithy/util-base64 package provides utilities for encoding and decoding strings or binary data to and from Base64. It is designed to be a lightweight and efficient solution for handling Base64 encoding in JavaScript applications, particularly useful in contexts where manipulating binary data is necessary.
What are @smithy/util-base64's main functionalities?
Encoding a string to Base64
This feature allows you to encode a plain string into its Base64 representation. It's particularly useful for encoding data that needs to be safely transmitted over a network or stored in a way that is not human-readable.
"use strict";
const { toBase64 } = require('@smithy/util-base64');
const encoded = toBase64('Hello, world!');
console.log(encoded); // Outputs: SGVsbG8sIHdvcmxkIQ==
Decoding a Base64 string
This feature enables the decoding of a Base64 encoded string back into its original string format. It's essential for retrieving the original data from a Base64 encoded string, especially when the data needs to be processed or displayed.
"use strict";
const { fromBase64 } = require('@smithy/util-base64');
const decoded = fromBase64('SGVsbG8sIHdvcmxkIQ==');
console.log(decoded); // Outputs: Hello, world!
Other packages similar to @smithy/util-base64
js-base64
js-base64 is a popular package for encoding and decoding Base64 strings in JavaScript. It offers similar functionalities to @smithy/util-base64 but also includes additional features such as Base64 URL encoding and decoding. It's a more feature-rich option, though it might be heavier for projects that only require basic Base64 encoding/decoding.
base64-js
base64-js focuses on providing efficient Base64 encoding and decoding functionalities for TypedArrays and Buffers, making it particularly suited for handling binary data in JavaScript. Compared to @smithy/util-base64, base64-js might offer better performance for applications dealing extensively with binary data, though it lacks the simplicity and straightforward API of @smithy/util-base64.