[Solved] Why does Elasticsearch store binary fields as base64 encoded strings instead of raw bytes? - Ans: Because JSON only supports text, so binary data must be encoded | Elasticsearch

Elasticsearch - Mappings and Data Types

Why does Elasticsearch store binary fields as base64 encoded strings instead of raw bytes?

ABecause binary fields are faster to search when encoded

BBecause JSON only supports text, so binary data must be encoded

CBecause base64 reduces the size of the data

DBecause Elasticsearch does not support binary data at all

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand JSON data format
Elasticsearch uses JSON which supports text, not raw binary bytes.
Step 2: Reason why base64 encoding is used
Base64 encodes binary data into text so it can be safely stored and transferred in JSON.
Final Answer:
Because JSON only supports text, so binary data must be encoded -> Option B
Quick Check:
Binary stored as base64 due to JSON text limitation [OK]

Quick Trick: Binary data is base64 encoded because JSON supports text only [OK]

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