This tutorial (and its two follow-up tutorials) targets programmers wishing to familiarize themselves with cryptology, its techniques, its mathematical and conceptual basis, and its lingo. The ideal user of this tutorial will have encountered various descriptions of cryptographic systems and general claims about the security or insecurity of particular software and systems, but without entirely understanding the background of these descriptions and claims. Additionally, many users will be programmers and systems analysts whose employers have plans to develop or implement cryptographic systems and protocols (perhaps assigning such obligations to the very people who will benefit from this tutorial).

This tutorial does not contain much in the way of specific programming code for cryptographic protocols, nor even much specificity in precise algorithms. Instead, it will familiarize its users with a broad range of cryptological concepts and protocols. Upon completion, a user will feel at ease with discussions of cryptographic designs, and be ready to explore the details of particular algorithms and protocols with a comfortable familiarity of their underlying concepts.