[beebmam]

The gibberishness comes from the math needed to understand it and not from the knowledge of asymmetric cryptographic patterns. I highly recommend that all CS students take some abstract algebra courses for an introduction to the ideas behind this!

[_a_a_a_]

1. I have negligible chance of understanding your abstract algebra and 2. I'll never, ever, get to use it in the real world.

[Salgat]

Might as well take an Introduction to Semiconductor Devices engineering course while you're at it. Just as relevant when it comes to software development.

[tptacek]

Abstract algebra is more relevant to the general practice of cryptography engineering than semiconductor engineering is to the general practice of writing software.

[_a_a_a_]

I'm sure it is but it also has negligible application to quotidian grunt-programming which is regrettably what 99.9% of people on HN do. Learning a skill that seems never to get used seems completely pointless to me. That's a critique of industry, not of linear algebra by the way.

[tptacek]

I agree that abstract algebra has only marginal important to the general practice of programming. I only dispute that it's marginal for cryptography engineering.

[_a_a_a_]

I don't believe anyone said that it was marginal for crypto?

[Salgat]

I'm talking specifically about the requirements for your average software developer, not a developer trying to specifically study cryptography.

[izacus]

It also comes from silly names of libraries and tools used in the example as well.