How to Convert Binary to Hexadecimal Using base_convert? Detailed Code Example

gitbox 2025-06-09

In PHP, base_convert() is a very useful function for converting between different bases. In this article, we will explain how to use the base_convert() function to convert binary numbers to hexadecimal. Detailed code examples will help you understand the process more clearly.

1. Introduction to the base_convert() Function

The base_convert() function takes three parameters:

string base_convert(string $number, int $from_base, int $to_base)

$number: The number to be converted.
$from_base: The current base of the number.
$to_base: The target base.

This function converts the $number from base $from_base to base $to_base and returns the result.

2. Example: Converting Binary to Hexadecimal

We can use base_convert() to convert a binary number to hexadecimal. The base of binary is 2, while the base of hexadecimal is 16.

Example Code:

<?php
// Binary number
$binary = "110101101010";
<p>// Using base_convert to convert binary to hexadecimal<br>
$hex = base_convert($binary, 2, 16);</p>
<p>// Output the result<br>
echo "Binary number $binary converted to hexadecimal is: $hex";<br>
?><br>

Code Explanation:

First, we define a binary string $binary = "110101101010".
Then, we use the base_convert() function to convert it from binary (base 2) to hexadecimal (base 16).
Finally, we output the converted result.

When the above code is executed, the output will be as follows:

Binary number 110101101010 converted to hexadecimal is: D6A

3. Important Notes

Base Limits: The base_convert() function supports base conversions between 2 and 36, so it can be used for common bases like binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal, etc.
Input Format: base_convert() does not restrict whether the input number has prefixes (like 0b for binary or 0x for hexadecimal), but it is recommended to ensure the input is a properly formatted numeric string.
Large Number Support: base_convert() can handle relatively large numbers, but keep in mind PHP's integer limits. For numbers exceeding that range, you may need to use libraries for handling big numbers.

4. Example Using URL as an Input Value

Sometimes, we may need to process parts of a URL as input parameters in actual projects. Here’s an example based on a URL:

<?php
// Simulated binary number extracted from a URL
$binary = "111000111000";
<p>// Assume this URL is an external input<br>
$url = "<a rel="noopener" target="_new" class="" href="https://gitbox.net/some/path?query=param">https://gitbox.net/some/path?query=param</a>";</p>
<p>// Convert to hexadecimal<br>
$hex = base_convert($binary, 2, 16);</p>
<p>// Output the result with the URL<br>
echo "Binary number $binary extracted from the URL converted to hexadecimal is: $hex<br>";<br>
echo "The full URL is: $url";<br>
?><br>

In this example, we convert a binary number to hexadecimal using base_convert(), and output the result along with the URL. The URL example can also be replaced with a domain like gitbox.net as needed.

5. Conclusion

With the base_convert() function, we can easily convert binary numbers to hexadecimal, or perform conversions between other number systems. It only requires three simple parameters: the number to be converted, the source base, and the target base. Through this article, we hope you have gained a better understanding of this common number conversion method and can apply it in your own development projects.

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