Hacking Secret Ciphers With Python

by Al Sweigart

* * * This is the old edition! The new edition is under the title "Cracking Codes with Python" by Al Sweigart * * *Hacking Secret Ciphers with Python not only teaches you how to write in secret ciphers with paper and pencil. This book teaches you how to write your own cipher programs and also the hacking programs that can break the encrypted messages from these ciphers. Unfortunately, the programs in this book won’t get the reader in trouble with the law (or rather, fortunately) but it is a guide on the basics of both cryptography and the Python programming language. Instead of presenting a dull laundry list of concepts, this book provides the source code to several fun programming projects for adults and young adults.

Genres: Programming, Computers, Computer Science, Reference, Technology, Nonfiction, Technical

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Oleg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Became boring after a while - skimmed over the second half of the book. Tasks are not challenging from the programming point of view, stronger ciphers' implementation requires you to simply code algorithms which you are not supposed to fully comprehend (e.g. you sort of feel the importance of prime numbers but not quite if your math skills are naive).

I've implemented a universal coding/bruteforcing framework, played with the first few ciphers and lost any intereset. I think I don't enjoy cryptography per se.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to start programming and you're interested in ciphers? Do the following:
1 - Take the weekend off
2 - Watch The Imitation Game
3 - Spend the rest of your time on Als book

Really enjoy all of his books, haven't checked out his last one but I'm sure I'll pick it up soon! He also answered very quickly when I had some problems with his book.

[R Phantom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has given me a completely new way an author can explain a topic. The book started with the ABC of python3 and then ended up to RSA codes using python. Each an every line of code on every chapter is explained really well. The type of explanation given will leave nothing in doubt , specially when just referring to the book, as what usually happens with other books where many points are left taking it be obvious where many readers end up being stuck.

A very big thanks to the author , for keeping such a wonderful piece of art freely available on the internet.
At the end, I loved the "About the Author" part a lot. In-fact loved it just like how lovable the whole book was.

[Pash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for beginners and hobbyists because it teaches hands-on python skills while giving enough detail to understand the various codes yet not too technical so as to be overwhelming

[Bahaa Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book i've ever read . And love ur dedicate to Aa_Swartz :D

[Louis Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Good As It Gets!

Most authors overlook the fact that simplicity and abstractness can be just as confusing as complexity of you let it (and I often do). The missing explanation of a seemingly simple concept can dramatically interfere with attaining comprehension of main principle. This is compounded by an inability to find the answer in the usual places because nobody able to explain it recognizes it's importance (hence the benefit of live training, where you can ask your "stupid" question And grasp the lesson immediately.
Mr. Sweaty uses a project for the lesson, then explains each step as clearly as possible from almost every perspective.
Now if he just comes up with an affordable "hotline" to address non-profit questions ( easing the consumer's learning curve while the consumer shows him what other areas of instruction are needed life will be as close to perfect as possible.