N/encode Module in NetSuite: Complete Guide to Data Encoding & Decoding in SuiteScript

When working with APIs, authentication headers, encryption, or binary data in NetSuite, the N/encode module becomes essential. It allows developers to convert data between different encodings, such as UTF-8, Base64, Hex, and more.

This module is frequently used alongside:

• N/https (API integrations)
• OAuth & Basic Authentication
• Webhooks
• File handling
• Encryption & hashing modules

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What the N/encode module does
• Supported encoding types
• Common real-world use cases
• Code examples
• Best practices

1. What Is the N/encode Module?

The N/encode module provides utility functions for encoding and decoding strings and byte data in SuiteScript.

It is commonly used to:

• Build Authorization headers
• Encode credentials (Base64)
• Decode API responses
• Convert text to binary formats
• Support encryption and hashing workflows

This module is server-side only and available in SuiteScript 2.x / 2.1.

2. Supported Encoding Types

The module supports multiple encoding formats via encode.Encoding:

3. Core Methods in N/encode

🔹 encode.convert(options)

This is the primary method used to convert data from one encoding to another.

Options include:

• string or value
• inputEncoding
• outputEncoding

4. Example: Base64 Encode Username & Password (Basic Auth)

Very common when calling APIs using Basic Authentication.

/**
 * @NApiVersion 2.1
 */
define(['N/encode'], (encode) => {

    function getAuthHeader() {
        const credentials = 'apiuser:apipassword';

        const encoded = encode.convert({
            string: credentials,
            inputEncoding: encode.Encoding.UTF_8,
            outputEncoding: encode.Encoding.BASE_64
        });

        const authHeader = 'Basic ' + encoded;
        log.debug('Authorization Header', authHeader);
    }

    return { execute: getAuthHeader };
});

5. Example: Decoding a Base64 Response

const decoded = encode.convert({
    string: base64String,
    inputEncoding: encode.Encoding.BASE_64,
    outputEncoding: encode.Encoding.UTF_8
});

log.debug('Decoded Value', decoded);

6. Example: Encoding Binary Data for APIs

Some APIs require HEX or Base64 encoded payloads.

const hexValue = encode.convert({
    string: 'NetSuitePro',
    inputEncoding: encode.Encoding.UTF_8,
    outputEncoding: encode.Encoding.HEX
});

7. Common Real-World Use Cases

The N/encode module is commonly used for:

• 🔐 Basic Authentication headers
• 🔐 OAuth signature preparation
• 📡 REST API integrations
• 📦 Encoding payloads for external systems
• 🔑 Encryption + hashing workflows
• 📄 File content conversion
• 🧾 Webhook validation

8. N/encode vs N/crypto — What’s the Difference?

They are often used together, but they do different jobs.

9. Best Practices

✔ Never log encoded secrets in production
✔ Always validate decoded data
✔ Use UTF-8 as the base format
✔ Keep encoding logic reusable
✔ Combine with N/https for secure API calls

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Double-encoding data
❌ Using wrong inputEncoding
❌ Logging sensitive Base64 tokens
❌ Assuming Base64 = encryption (it is NOT)

11. Final Thoughts

The N/encode module may look simple, but it is critical for building secure, reliable integrations in NetSuite. Without it, tasks like authentication, encryption prep, and API communication would be far more complex.

If you’re working with:

• REST APIs
• Secure integrations
• Authentication headers
• Encrypted payloads

You will use N/encode.