Base64 or BLOB: Which Is the Better Method for Storing Images in a MySQL Database?

Storing Images in Database: Base64 vs. BLOB

It is a common practice to store images in databases. Two approaches exist for this: converting them to base64 data or storing them as Binary Large Objects (BLOBs). While base64 encoding adds 33% overhead, using BLOBs saves storage space.

Why Base64 Storage Is More Prevalent in MySQL

Despite the storage advantage of BLOBs, base64 encoding remains more common in MySQL for several reasons:

• Base64 as a Transport Mechanism: Base64 is primarily used for data transfer, not storage. It allows embedding images in other formats like XML or email messages.
• Stream Friendliness: Base64 encoding can be done on the fly without knowing the data size.
• Legacy Compatibility: Older versions of MySQL and other databases supported only base64 encoding for image storage.

Disadvantages of Base64 Storage

However, base64 encoding also has drawbacks:

• Storage Overhead: Base64 increases storage requirements by 33%.
• No Checksum: It does not provide a checksum or any value for storage purposes.
• IO Bottlenecks: Storing base64 encoded images can lead to IO performance issues due to increased data volume.
• HTML Inline Image Bottlenecks: Embedding base64 encoded images in HTML increases data transfer load and introduces performance bottlenecks.

Best Practice:

Storing images as BLOBs is the recommended approach for MySQL due to its storage efficiency and performance benefits. Base64 encoding should only be considered for data transfer or when working with legacy systems.

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