How does base64_encode() differ from encryption methods like md5() in terms of security and reversibility?

Base64_encode() is not a form of encryption; it is simply a way to encode data to ensure it can be safely transmitted as text. It does not provide any security or reversibility as the encoded data can easily be decoded back to its original form. On the other hand, encryption methods like md5() hash data in a way that is irreversible, meaning the original data cannot be retrieved from the hash. If security and reversibility are important, encryption methods like md5() should be used instead of base64_encode().

// Using md5() for hashing data
$data = "secret_password";
$hashed_data = md5($data);

echo $hashed_data;