What is pohlig-hellman?

Pohlig-Hellman is a cryptographic algorithm used for solving the discrete logarithm problem. This algorithm is particularly useful when dealing with large prime numbers and is used in various applications, including digital signature schemes and key exchange protocols.

The Pohlig-Hellman algorithm breaks down the problem of solving the discrete logarithm into smaller problems and then solves these smaller problems using various methods, including the Chinese remainder theorem and Fermat's Little Theorem.

The algorithm is named after mathematicians Carl Pohlig and Martin Hellman. It was first introduced in a paper published in 1978 and has since become widely used in cryptography.

One of the benefits of the Pohlig-Hellman algorithm is its efficiency, particularly when dealing with large prime numbers. This makes it well-suited for use in modern cryptography, where security often depends on the ability to quickly perform complex calculations.

Overall, the Pohlig-Hellman algorithm is an important tool for modern cryptography and has helped to make many online transactions and communications more secure.