Does anyone know how to decode and encode a string in Base64 using Base64?

Achieving top-notch compatibility

When it comes to Base64, encoding and decoding your data with the highest compatibility stamina is crucial. Remember, UTF-8 is your ticket to this achievement.

UTF-8: The universal translator

Use UTF-8; it understands everyone and everything:

byte[] bytes = "Hello".getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8);
// Speaking in tongues: it's all Greek to me, but UTF-8 understands!
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Keeping an eye on the original message

After snaky encoding and decoding, cross-verify with the original message:

String original = "Hello";
String encoded = Base64.getEncoder().encodeToString(original.getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8));
String decoded = new String(Base64.getDecoder().decode(encoded), StandardCharsets.UTF_8);
assert original.equals(decoded);
// Original message, check. Encoded message, check. Decode message, check. All aboard!
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Managing big data and performance

Streaming the big fish

Got a gigantic dataset? Stream it to make it digestible and avoid those nasty OutOfMemory errors:

InputStream stream = new ByteArrayInputStream(largeData.getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8));
Base64.Encoder encoder = Base64.getEncoder().wrap(stream);
// Your large file just got a VIP stream access!
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Juggling performance balls

• Expense not, waste not - reuse Encoder and Decoder instances.
• Just like avoiding traffic - stream it and bypass creating unneeded byte arrays.
• Sneak peek into your application's life - profile to catch any performance hiccups.

Handling curveballs: Errors and libraries

Use the force of Apache commons

Need a Yoda with more skills than java.util.Base64? Wield the power of Apache Commons Codec library.

Tame the error dragon

During decoding, be prepared to tame the IllegalArgumentException dragon:

try {
    String decoded = new String(Base64.getDecoder().decode(encoded), StandardCharsets.UTF_8);
} catch (IllegalArgumentException e) {
    // Oops! Invalid Base64 input. The dragon has been tamed!
}
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Dial back to Android's past

Android developers, plug into Robert Harder's Base64 library for backwards compatibility with older versions.

Securing your data fortress

Remember, shield your encoded strings, especially if they hide sensitive secrets. Be careful where you log these encoded strings. Encrypt before encoding, if the data is high-level classified.