Open Workbook of Cryptology
A project-based introduction to crypto in Python



Book Details
Author | Jonathan A. Poritz |
Published | 2021 |
Edition | 1st |
Paperback | 92 pages |
Language | English |
License | Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike |
Book Description
The author argues that while cryptology has a reputation for being complex and difficult to master - often associated with advanced theories like number theory, complexity theory, and quantum computation - many of its foundational concepts are actually accessible and practical. They emphasize that the best way to understand these basics is through hands-on experience, particularly by working with cryptographic primitives and implementing them in code.
This book adopts that approach, using Python and its standard cryptographic libraries to explore key cryptological concepts. The material is designed for readers with a solid grasp of Python, though it can also serve as a way for beginners to strengthen their programming skills while learning about cryptography. By focusing on practical implementation, the text aims to demystify the subject and make it more approachable.
This book is available under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license (CC BY-SA), which means that you are free to copy, distribute, and modify it, as long as you credit the original author and license any derivative works under the same terms.
If you enjoyed the book and would like to support the author, you can purchase a printed copy (hardcover or paperback) from official retailers.