Here's the primary difference, which is largely functional:

While it is true that all you are essentially doing is exchanging one set of symbols for another, there is a function involved which makes all the difference.

When you encode something the function is directly reversible, such that:

data * func = data`

data` * func = data

Of course, that's an oversimplification, but you get the idea. You use the same index chart for translating both ways.

encryption involves 2 functions:

data * func(yourPublicKey, myPrivateKey) = data`
BUT
data` * func(yourPublicKey, myPrivateKey) != data
Which is the point:
data` * func(yourPrivateKey, myPublicKey) = data


Wait! This isn't a Parachute, this is a Backpack!

In reply to Re: Difference between encoding and encryption? by gregor42
in thread Difference between encoding and encryption? by r.joseph

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