Question
What are the best methods for sending binary data within an XML document?
<data encoding='base64'>
PD94bWwgdmFyaWF0aW9uPSIxLjEiPz4KPEhhbGxvIFdvcmxkITwvSGFsbG8+"
</data>
Answer
When sending binary data in XML documents, two common encoding methods are Base64 and HEX. Each has unique characteristics that impact performance, readability, and ease of use.
function toHex(byteArray) {
return Array.from(byteArray).map(b => ('0' + b.toString(16)).slice(-2)).join('');
}
Causes
- Base64 uses 64 different ASCII characters for encoding binary data, resulting in an increase in size by approximately 33%.
- HEX encoding represents each byte in two hexadecimal characters, resulting in a size increase of 100%.
- Base64 can represent non-printable characters, while HEX is human-readable but less space-efficient.
Solutions
- Base64 is often preferred for small to medium binary data due to its compactness, despite its larger size compared to HEX.
- For larger data sets or when avoiding additional libraries is necessary, consider implementing HEX encoding directly within your application with a custom function.
- Evaluate the specific needs of your application, such as performance, bandwidth, and available libraries, before making a decision.
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Overlooking size differences between Base64 and HEX when transferring large data sets.
Solution: Assess the size overhead of each method and implement the most efficient encoding based on your data size.
Mistake: Assuming Base64 is always the better choice without considering dependencies.
Solution: Consider the implications of external libraries and their impact on project complexity.
Helpers
- Base64 encoding
- HEX encoding
- XML binary data
- sending binary data XML
- Base64 vs HEX
- encoding binary data in XML