> Well... it's a lot of math.

Lol, If I ever paid attention in maths class ;)

I based my response on your definition and his https://stacker.news/items/873507/r/IamSINGLE?commentId=873605

I feel grateful to you putting the basics of cryptography in so simple language. I'm starting to feel like an advanced Bitcoiner. 

IamSINGLE

crypto

What are some of the real world use cases of cryptography?

> It seems cryptography isn't that difficult to learn.

Well... it's a lot of math ;)


> Is there a difference when we say "Cryptography" and "Public Key Cryptography"?

"cryptography" is an umbrella term for "symmetric" and "asymmetric" cryptography.

**Symmetric cryptography** is used for encryption/decryption and there is only one key. (The key for encrypting a message is also the key for decrypting it)

**Asymmetric cryptography (public key cryptography)** uses a pair of keys. (private key and public key)

When encrypting a message with the public key, only the one who has the private key can decrypt the message. This is useful for secure communication.

When signing a message with the private key, everyone can prove with the public key, that the message must have been signed by the owner of the private key.