++for the warning to future hobby crypologists.

However, I would point out the OP was careful to say "encoded", not "encrypted", and emphasized "compression".

I'll withhold comments on the sophomoric quality of the comments within, and suggested uses of, the originally-presented code.

But the childish response on the thread definitely received its appropriate downvote. Childlike behavior can be tolerated and gentle guidance given; childish behavior neither requires nor begets tolerance.