nettle ☆
« Back to VersTracker
Description:
Low-level cryptographic library
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Security
Tags: cryptography security library encryption crypto c
Install: brew install nettle
About:
Nettle is a low-level cryptographic library designed to fit easily into a wide range of applications. It provides a simple but comprehensive API for common cryptographic primitives like ciphers, hash functions, and public-key algorithms. Its modular design allows developers to use only the specific parts they need, making it ideal for integration into embedded systems and other resource-constrained environments.
Key Features:
  • Simple, modular API design
  • Support for a wide range of cryptographic primitives (AES, SHA, RSA, ECC)
  • Highly portable and suitable for embedded systems
  • Clear separation between interfaces and implementations
Use Cases:
  • Integrating cryptography into C/C++ applications
  • Developing secure protocols for embedded systems
  • Implementing low-level security primitives for VPNs and other networking tools
Alternatives:
  • OpenSSL – OpenSSL is a larger, more feature-rich library that includes protocol implementations (TLS/SSL), whereas Nettle focuses strictly on the cryptographic primitives.
  • Libsodium – Libsodium offers a higher-level, opinionated API focused on modern, easy-to-use cryptography, while Nettle provides more granular control over algorithms.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Jan 8, 2025 1:10pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 803618a3
« Back to VersTracker  |  Browse Packages  |  About