MySQL FROM_BASE64() function

In this context, we will learn how we can use the MySQL FROM_BASE64()() function with proper syntax and good examples.

Introduction of MySQL FROM_BASE64()() function

Basically, the FROM_BASE64() function In MySQL decodes a base-64 encoded string which gives us the result. More specifically, it takes a string encoded with the base-64 encoding rules used by TO_BASE64(), and the decoded result as a binary string is returned by it.

Syntax of the MySQL FROM_BASE64()() function

The syntax of the MySQL FROM_BASE64()() function is given as follows

FROM_BASE64(str);

Parameters or arguments used in MySQL FROM_BASE64()() function:

There is only one parameter accepted by the FROM_BASE64()() function in MySQL, which are given as follows:

Str- it is the base-64 encoded string that we want to decode.

Returns:

It will return the decoded result as a binary string.

Application used for FROM_BASE64()() function:

The FROM_BASE64()() function can be used in the given below MySQL versions.:

• MySQL 5.7
• MySQL 5.6
• MySQL 5.5
• MySQL 5.1
• MySQL 5.0
• MySQL 4.1
• MySQL 4.0
• MySQL 3.23

Examples of MySQL FROM_BASE64()() function:

Now we will look into some MySQL FROM_BASE64()() function examples and will explore how we can use the FROM_BASE64() function in MySQL.

Example 1 – Basic Usage of MYSQL from_base() FUNCTION

Here's an example for a demonstration of the basic usage:

SELECT FROM_BASE64('Q2F0');

Output:

Cat
1 row in set (0.00 sec)

In this SELECT query, our argument is Q2F0, which is the base-64 encoded string for Cat.

Now, we are going to find the base-64 encoded string by passing Cat to the TO_BASE64() function:

SELECT TO_BASE64('Cat');

Output:

Q2F0
1 row in set (0.00 sec)

Example 2 – Example of a Longer String

Here's an example which uses a longer string:

SELECT FROM_BASE64('TXkgY2F0IGxpa2VzIHRvIGNoYXNlIGVsZXBoYW50cyE=');

Output:

My Cat likes to chase elephants!
1 row in set (0.00 sec)

Example 3 – Invalid Argument

If the argument is not a valid base-64 string, NULL will be returned:

SELECT FROM_BASE64('Oops!');

Output:

NULL
1 row in set (0.00 sec)

Example 4 – NULL Argument

We will also get NULL if we pass NULL string as an argument:

SELECT FROM_BASE64(NULL);

Output:

FROM_BASE64(NULL)
NULL
1 row in set (0.00 sec)

Example 5 – Missing Argument

We will get an error if we don't pass argument in the function:

SELECT FROM_BASE64();

Output:

ERROR 1582 (42000): Incorrect parameter count in the call to native function 'FROM_BASE64.'

Example 6 – Too Many Arguments

We'll also get an error if we pass too many arguments:

SELECT FROM_BASE64('Q2F0', 'RWxlcGhhbnQ=');

Output:

ERROR 1582 (42000): Incorrect parameter count in the call to native function 'FROM_BASE64.'

Application of MySQL FROM_BASE64()() function:

This function is used to decode a base-64 encoded string in MySQL.

Summary:

In the above context, we have learned how we can use the FROM_BASE64()() function in MySQL used to take a string encoded with the base-64 encoding rules used by TO_BASE64() and will return the decoded result as a binary string.