What is the main distinction between encoding and encryption?

The main distinction between encoding and encryption lies in their purposes and methods of operation. Encoding is designed to transform data into a specific format that makes it easily usable for transmission or storage, ensuring compatibility and integrity. This process is reversible, meaning that encoded data can be easily converted back to its original format without loss of information.

For example, Base64 encoding is often used to encode binary data into ASCII characters so that it can be safely transmitted over protocols that are designed to handle textual data. Encoding does not provide security; its main goal is to ensure that data is easily transmitted or stored while maintaining its structure and meaning.

In contrast, encryption is primarily aimed at securing data by transforming it into a format that is unintelligible to unauthorized users. The process of encryption is designed to be reversible only by those who possess the appropriate key, thus providing confidentiality and protecting sensitive information.

Option B highlights these distinctions clearly: encoding is reversible and intended for data transmission, emphasizing its role in making data suitable for transfer or storage while maintaining its original integrity.