encoding

Encoding is a technique for expressing values in a specific notation (e.g., binary, ASCII, etc.). Encoding is also a method of translating files in one format into another format for electronic transmission. Encoding is used to add security, ease transfer over gateways, or simplify complex communications.

URLs:

RFC 1522

MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) Part Two: Message Header Extensions for Non-ASCII Text

Syntax

Overview concerning the syntax of encoded words

Windows encoder

Article concerning using the Windows encoder

W3E References:

UUEncoding

- a method of translating a file of any type into a pure ASCII text file.

UUDecoding

- the process of returning a UUEncoded file to it's original state.

Security Encoding

- a process or method of scrambling and unscrambling a message or file to protect its contents during electronic transfer.

Encryption

- a method of security encoding.

Detail:

The encoding process represents 24-bit groups as output strings of four encoded characters. Moving from left to right, a 24-bit input group is formed by concatenating (linking together or connecting) three 8-bit input groups. The 24 bits are then treated as 4 connected 6-bit groups, each translated into a single digit in the base 64 alphabet. When you encode a bit stream via base 64 encoding, the bit stream must be assumed to be ordered with the most significant bit first; i. e., the first bit in the stream will be a high order bit in the first bite, the 8th will be the low-order bit in the first byte, and so on.