Base64 vs HEX: Best Practices for Sending Binary Data in XML Documents

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

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