XOR-Based Text Encryption/Decryption in Python

This Python script implements a simple XOR-based encryption and decryption algorithm for text data. It provides functionalities for both encrypting plaintext messages and decrypting previously encrypted text using a user-defined key.

Learn More: https://youtu.be/QqiFrOG-IvU?si=JqLvjH_X4Mcrz1au

Features

Encrypt and decrypt text messages using XOR operation. Generate random keys for encryption or use user-provided keys. Display detailed encryption/decryption steps for educational purposes.

Usage

Clone this repository or download the script. Open a terminal window and navigate to the script's directory. Run the script using python xor_cipher.py. Follow the prompts to select encryption or decryption, provide the plaintext/ciphertext, and optionally enter a key.

Example

Encrypt a message:

Select an option:

1. Encrypt
2. Decrypt Enter 1 or 2: 1

Enter plaintext: This is a secret message! Enter key (press Enter for random key): secret_key

Key: secret_key

Encryption Steps:

Character	ASCII	Binary Plain	Binary Key	XOR Result	Hex
T	84	01010100	11100100	10110000	d0
h	104	01101000	11100100	00001100	0c
i	105	01101001	11100100	00001101	0d
s	115	01110011	11100100	00010111	1f
... (remaining characters) ...

Encrypted Text: d00c0d1f... (truncated)

Decrypt a message (using the same key):

Select an option:

1. Encrypt
2. Decrypt Enter 1 or 2: 2

Enter the decryption key: secret_key Enter the encrypted text: d00c0d1f... (truncated)

Decryption Key: secret_key

Decryption Steps:

Hex Value	Binary Plain	Binary Key	XOR Result	Character	ASCII
d0	01010100	11100100	10110000	T	84
0c	00001100	11100100	11100000	h	104
0d	00001101	11100100	11100001	i	105
1f	00010111	11100100	11110011	s	115
... (remaining characters) ...

Decrypted Text: This is a secret message!