Difference Between Encode and Decode in Python

In Python, the encoding() and decoding() refer to the processes of converting data between different formats, particularly when dealing with strings and bytes.

Both processes are essential for ensuring data is correctly formatted for storage and transmission, especially when working with different languages or systems that may interpret data differently.

Encoding in Python

Encoding is the process of converting a string (text) into a byte sequence. This is often necessary when you need to store or transmit data as binary. When you want to save text to a file in a certain character encoding (e.g., UTF-8, ASCII) or send text over a network.

Syntax

In the following syntax, input_string will be encoded, where the error decides the type of error handling like ('strict', 'ignore', 'replace') if any encoding fails on the string.

input_string.encode(encoding, errors)

Example

The below example results in an encoded string in byte (b) format.

my_string = "Hello, world!"
# Encoding string to bytes using UTF-8 
encoded_string = my_string.encode('utf-8')

print(encoded_string)  

Following is the syntax of the above code ?

b'Hello, world!'

Decoding in Python

This is the reverse process of encoding. It converts a byte sequence back into a string. When you read bytes from a file or receive data over a network and want to interpret it as text.

Syntax

Following is the syntax for the decode in python.

encoded = input_string.encode()

# Using decode()
decoded = encoded.decode(decoding, errors)

Example

As encode() converts the string to bytes, decode() will simply do the reverse (bytes to string).

byte_seq = b'Hello'
decoded_string = byte_seq.decode()
print(decoded_string)

Following is the output of the above code ?

Hello

Difference b/w encode and decode

Some of the key differences between encoding and decoding are as follows.