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> Putting cryptographic primitives together is a lot like putting a jigsaw puzzle together, where all the pieces are cut exactly the same way, but there is only

> Putting cryptographic primitives together is a lot like putting a jigsaw puzzle together, where all the pieces are cut exactly the same way, but there is only one correct solution. Thankfully, there are some projects out there that are working hard to make sure developers are getting it right. I found this analogy muddled. The first sentence sounds like a good thing. There's only one correct solution for a puzzles pieces and that is obvious. We all see when the puzzle's been correctly finished because the pieces only fit one way, and a completed image is the result. Sounds like a great situation. Then the second sentence responds as if this is a problem that needs to be fixed. For a less ambiguous analogy, how about a lego set, without instructions? You're supposed to build one particular model, but could end up building all kinds of things that may well use all the pieces, but don't end up with the correct model.

Filligree 3y ago
The cut of jigsaw puzzles determines how they can be put together, but what determines how they should be is the picture painted across them. So an ideal jigsaw puzzle has no two pieces with the same cut, preventing you from putting any pieces together incorrectly. This is largely impossible. A jigsaw puzzle where every piece has the same cut, however? That’s simply torture.
- detrites 3y ago
  Ok, thanks - so the "cut exactly the same way" is the key here. It's maybe not so obvious to non-puzzle aficionados? I thought it simply meant "all fit together", the "same way" referring to the overall cut. Maybe clearer: "each puzzle piece the exact same shape"? Though it still suffers from the issue, as with a puzzle there's always the congruity of the final image as a hard guide as to what's meant to be correct, regardless of piece shape. That's maybe what muddles the analogy most.

Filligree 3y ago

The cut of jigsaw puzzles determines how they can be put together, but what determines how they should be is the picture painted across them. So an ideal jigsaw puzzle has no two pieces with the same cut, preventing you from putting any pieces together incorrectly. This is largely impossible. A jigsaw puzzle where every piece has the same cut, however? That’s simply torture.

detrites 3y ago
Ok, thanks - so the "cut exactly the same way" is the key here. It's maybe not so obvious to non-puzzle aficionados? I thought it simply meant "all fit together", the "same way" referring to the overall cut. Maybe clearer: "each puzzle piece the exact same shape"? Though it still suffers from the issue, as with a puzzle there's always the congruity of the final image as a hard guide as to what's meant to be correct, regardless of piece shape. That's maybe what muddles the analogy most.