? PHP convert_uuencode() & convert_uudecode()

? Quick Overview

The convert_uuencode() and convert_uudecode() functions in PHP are used to encode and decode data using the UUEncoding algorithm. This technique was historically used to safely transmit binary data over text-only channels such as emails.

? Key Concepts

• convert_uuencode() converts binary or text data into UUEncoded text
• convert_uudecode() restores the original data from UUEncoded format
• Primarily useful for legacy systems and older protocols

? Syntax & Theory

UUEncoding transforms binary data into readable ASCII characters. While mostly replaced by Base64 today, PHP still supports it for compatibility.

? Code Example 1: convert_uuencode()

// Encode a plain text string using UUEncode
<?php
$string = "This is a test!";
$encoded = convert_uuencode($string);
echo $encoded;
?>

? Code Example 2: convert_uudecode()

// Decode a UUEncoded string back to original text
<?php
$encoded = "begin 644 test.txt\n#0V)A@\nend\n";
$decoded = convert_uudecode($encoded);
echo $decoded;
?>

? Code Example 3: Base64 Comparison

// Compare modern Base64 encoding with UUEncode
<?php
$string = "This is a test!";
$base64 = base64_encode($string);
echo $base64;

echo base64_decode($base64);
?>

?‍? Interactive Insight

Try encoding the same data using both methods and observe how Base64 produces a cleaner, shorter output compared to UUEncoding.

? Use Cases

• Legacy email systems
• Backward compatibility with older UNIX tools
• Historical data processing pipelines