Python Encoding/Decoding Tool

This script is a command-line tool for encoding and decoding strings using various encoding schemes, including Base64, Base32, Base16, Base8 (Octal), and URL encoding. It simplifies encoding and decoding operations with straightforward arguments.

Features

• Supports Base64, Base32, Base16, Base8 (Octal), and URL encoding schemes.
• Allows both encoding and decoding operations.
• Case-insensitive input for encode/decode flags.
• Improved error handling with informative messages.
• User-friendly interface with clear instructions and examples.
• Lightweight and portable Python script.
• Help message when the script is called incorrectly.

Requirements

Python 3.x

How to Run

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/kissssu/Python-Encoding-Decoding-Tool.git
   cd Python-Encoding-Decoding-Tool

2. Make the Script Executable:

   chmod +x encoder_tool.py

   (chmod +x encoder_tool.py - chmod +x encoder_tool.py (make the file executable))

3. Run the Script:

   python3 encoder_tool.py -h

Usage

Run the script using the command line with the following structure:

python3 encoder_tool.py [BASE] [ACTION] [STRING]

Arguments:

BASE:

• -b64 or --base64: Use Base64 encoding.
• -b32 or --base32: Use Base32 encoding.
• -b16 or --base16: Use Base16 encoding.
• -b8 or --base8: Use Base8 (Octal) encoding.
• -u or --url: Use URL encoding.

ACTION:

• -e or --encode: Encode the provided string.
• -d or --decode: Decode the provided string.

STRING:

• The text to encode or decode (must be a valid string for the operation).

Output:

$ python3 encoder_tool.py -h 
usage: encoder_tool.py -b64/-b32/-b16/-b8/-u -e/-d cipher

Tool used to encode/decode in base64, base32, base16, base8 & URL.

positional arguments:
  cipher          The string to encode or decode

options:
  -h, --help      show this help message and exit
  -v, --version   show program's version number and exit
  -b64, --base64  Use Base64 encoding
  -b32, --base32  Use Base32 encoding
  -b16, --base16  Use Base16 encoding
  -b8, --base8    Use Base8 encoding (Octal)
  -u, --url       Use URL encoding
  -e, --encode    Encode the input
  -d, --decode    Decode the input

Example: encoder_tool.py --base64 -e 'Kissu is the best.'

Error Handling

• Missing Arguments: If any required arguments (base, action, string) are missing, the script prints the help message.
• Invalid Encoded String: Ensure the input for decoding is a valid encoded string to avoid runtime errors. The script now provides more specific error messages for invalid input.

Version

1.2

Future Enhancements

• Input/Output from Files: The ability to read the input from a file and write the output to a file.
• Default Encoding: If no -e or -d is specified, encoding will be the default behavior.
• Short Flags: Shorter aliases for the flags (e.g., -64 for --base64).
• More Encoding Options: Adding support for other encoding schemes.
• Interactive Mode: A mode where the user can repeatedly enter strings to encode or decode without re-running the script.
• Batch Processing: The ability to encode or decode multiple strings at once.

Notes

The script is for educational purposes. Ensure to use a valid string for encoding and decoding to avoid unexpected behavior. Base8 (Octal) encoding uses ASCII values in octal format, and decoding expects a properly formatted string of octal values.