Getting Started
Welcome to AlgoVault
AlgoVault is your comprehensive platform for exploring and implementing cryptographic algorithms. Whether you're a student, educator, or professional, our tools help you understand and apply cryptographic concepts effectively.
How to Use the Platform
- Navigate to Tools: Click on "Tools" from the homepage to access all available algorithms
- Select an Algorithm: Choose from classical ciphers, modern encryption, hash functions, or key exchange protocols
- Input Your Data: Enter your message, keys, or parameters in the provided fields
- Process: Click the encrypt/decrypt/hash button to see results
- Learn: Review the step-by-step explanations and visualizations
Pro Tip: Use our AI chatbot for instant help with any algorithm or cryptographic concept!
Algorithm Guide
Classical Ciphers
Caesar Cipher
Simple substitution cipher with fixed shift. Enter your message and shift value (0-25).
Vigenère Cipher
Polyalphabetic cipher using a keyword. Provide your message and a keyword for encryption.
Hill Cipher
Matrix-based cipher. Input dimension, key matrix, and message vector for processing.
Modern Encryption
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
Industry-standard encryption. Requires exactly 16-character key and supports detailed round visualization.
DES (Data Encryption Standard)
Legacy encryption standard. Uses 8-byte keys with automatic padding or truncation.
Hash Functions
MD5
128-bit hash function. Supports hex, HEX, and base64 output formats with verification.
SHA-512
Secure 512-bit hash function for enhanced security applications.
Key Exchange
Diffie-Hellman
Secure key exchange protocol. Set prime, generator, and private keys for both parties.
Security Note: These implementations are for educational purposes. Use production-tested libraries for real-world applications.
AI Assistant
How to Use the Chatbot
Our AI-powered assistant is available on every page to help you with cryptographic questions, algorithm explanations, and troubleshooting.
Features:
- Algorithm Explanations: Ask about how any cryptographic algorithm works
- Implementation Help: Get assistance with parameters, inputs, and outputs
- Security Guidance: Learn about best practices and security considerations
- Error Resolution: Get help when something doesn't work as expected
Example Questions:
"How does AES encryption work?"
"What's the difference between MD5 and SHA-512?"
"Why am I getting an error with my Hill cipher key?"
"What's a good key size for DES?"
Access: Click the red chat icon in the bottom-right corner of any page to start a conversation.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
Algorithm Not Working
- Check that all required fields are filled
- Verify input formats match the expected requirements
- For AES: Ensure key is exactly 16 characters
- For Hill Cipher: Verify matrix dimensions and invertibility
Unexpected Results
- Review algorithm parameters and inputs
- Check if you're using the correct operation (encrypt vs decrypt)
- Verify key formatting and character encoding
Performance Issues
- Large inputs may take longer to process
- Try smaller test inputs first
- Clear browser cache if pages load slowly
Browser Compatibility
- Use modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Enable JavaScript for full functionality
- Clear cookies and cache if experiencing issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get started with AlgoVault?
A: Navigate to "Tools" from the homepage, select an algorithm, enter your data, and click process. Our AI chatbot is also available for guidance.
Q: What algorithms are available?
A: We offer classical ciphers (Caesar, Vigenère, Hill), modern encryption (AES, DES), hash functions (MD5, SHA-512), and key exchange (Diffie-Hellman).
Q: Is AlgoVault free to use?
A: Yes, AlgoVault is completely free to use for educational and learning purposes.
Q: Can I use AlgoVault on mobile devices?
A: Yes, AlgoVault is fully responsive and works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Q: How do I report issues or provide feedback?
A: Use our AI chatbot available on every page to report issues or provide feedback.