> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theblockchainlibrary.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Public Key Cryptography

> Cryptography using a public key that can be shared and a corresponding private key that must remain secret.

# Public Key Cryptography

Cryptography using a public key that can be shared and a corresponding private key that must remain secret.

## Definition

Cryptography using a public key that can be shared and a corresponding private key that must remain secret.

## Why it matters

Cryptography provides the mathematical foundation for keys, signatures, privacy, integrity, and verification.

## Related knowledge

* [Hash Function](/generated/v2/glossary/hash-function) — term

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**Canonical knowledge ID:** `glossary:public-key-cryptography`