Base64 Encoded String Regex for Java
/^(?:[A-Za-z0-9+/]{4})*(?:[A-Za-z0-9+/]{2}==|[A-Za-z0-9+/]{3}=)?$/What this pattern does
This page provides a well-structured, multi-part regular expression for matching base64 encoded string, ported and verified for Java. A rigorously tested regex reduces debugging time and protects your application from edge-case failures. The snippet below is ready to drop into your Java project — whether you're validating in a Spring Boot controller, a Jakarta EE service, or a standalone utility class.
Java Implementation
// Base64 Encoded String
// ReDoS-safe | RegexVault — Web & Network > Misc
import java.util.regex.Pattern;
public class Base64EncodedStringValidator {
private static final Pattern PATTERN =
Pattern.compile("^(?:[A-Za-z0-9+/]{4})*(?:[A-Za-z0-9+/]{2}==|[A-Za-z0-9+/]{3}=)?$");
public static boolean validate(String input) {
return PATTERN.matcher(input).matches();
}
// Example
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println(validate("SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==")); // true
}
}Test Cases
Matches (Valid) | Rejects (Invalid) |
|---|---|
SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ== | SGVsbG8! |
YWJj | ===invalid |
dGVzdA== | SGVsbG8===== |
AAAA | not_base64_but_url-safe |
| — | YWJjZA=extra |
When to use this pattern
This pattern is drawn from the Web & Network > Misc category and carries a ReDoS-safe certification. That matters for Java developers because critical in Java applications since the JVM regex engine uses backtracking and is susceptible to ReDoS without careful pattern design. RegexVault audits patterns against known backtracking attack vectors, ensuring you have the necessary context before using this regex in a high-stakes production environment.
Common Pitfalls
Base64 padding is sometimes omitted in URLs and JWT components. Handle both padded and unpadded variants: ^[A-Za-z0-9+/]*={0,2}$ for a more permissive match.
Technical Notes
Empty string is valid base64 (encodes empty byte string). This pattern validates standard base64 — for URL-safe base64, replace + with \- and / with _.
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