# scrypt

> password-based key derivation function

**Wikidata**: [Q7439366](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7439366)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrypt)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scrypt

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **scrypt** based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
scrypt is a password-based key derivation function designed to resist brute-force attacks by requiring significant memory resources. It was created by Colin Percival and is widely used for secure password hashing and cryptographic key derivation. scrypt is standardized in RFC 7914 and is employed in cryptocurrencies like Litecoin for proof-of-work systems.

## Key Facts  
- **Type**: Password-based key derivation function (instance of `key derivation function`).  
- **Creator**: Colin Percival, a Canadian programmer and computer scientist.  
- **Standardization**: Described in **RFC 7914** ("The scrypt Password-Based Key Derivation Function").  
- **Purpose**: Designed to be computationally intensive and memory-hard, making brute-force attacks impractical.  
- **Applications**: Used in cryptocurrencies (e.g., Litecoin) and secure password storage systems.  
- **Aliases**: Scrypt key derivation function, سكريبت (لغة برمجة).  
- **Wikidata ID**: Described as a "password-based key derivation function" with 16 sitelinks.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is scrypt used for?  
A: scrypt is primarily used for securely deriving cryptographic keys from passwords, making it resistant to hardware-based attacks. It is also employed in cryptocurrencies for proof-of-work algorithms.  

### Q: Who created scrypt?  
A: scrypt was developed by Colin Percival, a Canadian computer scientist and programmer.  

### Q: How does scrypt improve security over older functions?  
A: scrypt requires large amounts of memory, making it harder for attackers to parallelize brute-force attacks using specialized hardware like ASICs or GPUs.  

## Why It Matters  
scrypt addresses critical weaknesses in earlier key derivation functions (e.g., PBKDF2, bcrypt) by incorporating memory-hardness, which raises the cost of large-scale attacks. Its design ensures that attackers cannot easily exploit low-memory optimizations, making it a robust choice for password hashing and cryptocurrency mining. By standardizing in RFC 7914, scrypt gained widespread adoption in both security and blockchain applications, notably in Litecoin. Its impact lies in raising the bar for practical attacks against password storage and cryptographic systems.  

## Notable For  
- **Memory-hardness**: Unlike predecessors, scrypt mandates high memory usage, deterring GPU/ASIC attacks.  
- **Cryptocurrency adoption**: Litecoin and other cryptocurrencies use scrypt for proof-of-work.  
- **Standardization**: Recognized in RFC 7914, ensuring interoperability and best practices.  

## Body  
### Technical Overview  
- **Function class**: Key derivation function (KDF).  
- **Core feature**: Combines computational difficulty with memory-intensive operations.  

### Development and Standardization  
- **Creator**: Colin Percival (Canadian programmer).  
- **Standard**: RFC 7914 (2016) formalizes scrypt's usage.  

### Applications  
- **Cryptocurrencies**: Litecoin's proof-of-work algorithm.  
- **Security**: Password hashing in systems requiring high resistance to brute-force attacks.  

### Wikidata and References  
- **Wikidata description**: "password-based key derivation function."  
- **Freebase ID**: `/m/09l8r1` (referenced via Wikidata).  
- **Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued)**: 65821590.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013