what's the difference between "ENCRYPT" and "ENCODE" ?

1. ENCODING :

Purpose: The purpose of encoding is to transform data so that it can be properly (and safely) consumed by a different type of system.

Used for: For maintaining data usability i.e.,to ensure that it is able to be properly consumed.

Data Retrieval Mechanism: No key and can be easily reversed provided we know what algorithm was used in encoding.

Algorithms Used: ASCII, Unicode, URL Encoding, Base64.

Example: Binary data being sent over email, or viewing special characters on a web page.

2. ENCRYPTION :

Purpose: The purpose of encryption is to transform data in order to keep it secret from others.

Used for: For maintaining data confidentiality i.e., to ensure the data cannot be consumed by anyone other than the intended recipient(s).

Data Retrieval Mechanism: Original data can be obtained if we know the key and encryption algorithm used.

Algorithms Used: AES, Blowfish, RSA.

Example: Sending someone a secret letter that only they should be able to read, or securely sending a password over the Internet.