Deterministic Primality Tests vs Fermat Primality Test

Developers should learn deterministic primality tests when building cryptographic systems (e meets developers should learn this test when working in cryptography, number theory, or security applications that require prime number generation, such as rsa encryption or key exchange protocols. Here's our take.

Deterministic Primality Tests

Nice Pick

Developers should learn deterministic primality tests when building cryptographic systems (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: number-theory, cryptography

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Fermat Primality Test

Developers should learn this test when working in cryptography, number theory, or security applications that require prime number generation, such as RSA encryption or key exchange protocols

Pros

• It's useful for quickly screening large numbers for primality with high probability, though it's not deterministic and should be supplemented with more rigorous tests like the Miller-Rabin test for critical applications
• Related to: miller-rabin-primality-test, aks-primality-test

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Deterministic Primality Tests if: You want g and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Fermat Primality Test if: You prioritize it's useful for quickly screening large numbers for primality with high probability, though it's not deterministic and should be supplemented with more rigorous tests like the miller-rabin test for critical applications over what Deterministic Primality Tests offers.

The Bottom Line

Deterministic Primality Tests wins

Developers should learn deterministic primality tests when building cryptographic systems (e