Interface Summary
Interface	Description
BinaryDecoder	Defines common decoding methods for byte array decoders.
BinaryEncoder	Defines common encoding methods for byte array encoders.
Decoder	Provides the highest level of abstraction for Decoders.
Encoder	Provides the highest level of abstraction for Encoders.
StringDecoder	Defines common decoding methods for String decoders.
StringEncoder	Defines common encoding methods for String encoders.

Class Summary
Class	Description
CharEncoding	Character encoding names required of every implementation of the Java platform.
Charsets	Charsets required of every implementation of the Java platform.
Resources	Consider this class package private.
StringEncoderComparator	Compares Strings using a `StringEncoder`.

Exception Summary
Exception	Description
DecoderException	Thrown when there is a failure condition during the decoding process.
EncoderException	Thrown when there is a failure condition during the encoding process.

Package org.apache.commons.codec Description

Interfaces and classes used by the various implementations in the sub-packages.

Definitive implementations of commonly used encoders and decoders.

Codec is currently comprised of a modest set of utilities and a simple framework for String encoding and decoding in three categories: Binary Encoders, Language Encoders, and Network Encoders.

Binary Encoders
org.apache.commons.codec.binary.Base64	Provides Base64 content-transfer-encoding as defined in RFC 2045	Production
org.apache.commons.codec.binary.Hex	Converts an array of bytes into an array of characters representing the hexadecimal values of each byte in order	Production

Language Encoders

Codec contains a number of commonly used language and phonetic encoders

Language Encoders
org.apache.commons.codec.language.Soundex	Implementation of the Soundex algorithm.	Production
org.apache.commons.codec.language.Metaphone	Implementation of the Metaphone algorithm.	Production

Network Encoders

Codec contains network related encoders

Network Encoders
org.apache.commons.codec.net.URLCodec	Implements the 'www-form-urlencoded' encoding scheme.	Production