Base64 Encoding Explained — JWT Tokens, Data URIs, and Kubernetes Secrets

Short summary

Base64 is an encoding method that converts binary data into ASCII-safe text for systems that transmit only text—used in JWTs, HTTP auth headers, data URIs, and Kubernetes Secrets. It's encoding (readable by anyone), not encryption; never use it alone to protect passwords or secrets. Five production use cases explained with code examples and security warnings.

• •Base64 encodes binary data as ASCII text to work with text-only systems (email, HTTP, JSON, XML)
• •Used in five production scenarios: JWT tokens, Basic Auth headers, data URIs, Kubernetes Secrets, and REST APIs
• •Critical security distinction: Base64 is encoding (reversible by anyone), not encryption—requires separate encryption for secrets

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