GnuTLS vs OpenSSL

Developers should learn and use GnuTLS when building applications that require secure network communications, such as web servers, email clients, or IoT devices, especially in environments where licensing restrictions of alternatives like OpenSSL are a concern meets developers should learn and use openssl when building or maintaining systems that require secure data transmission, such as https web servers, vpns, or encrypted messaging applications. Here's our take.

GnuTLS

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use GnuTLS when building applications that require secure network communications, such as web servers, email clients, or IoT devices, especially in environments where licensing restrictions of alternatives like OpenSSL are a concern

Pros

• It is particularly valuable for projects that prioritize open-source compliance, as it is part of the GNU Project and uses the LGPL license, making it suitable for both free and proprietary software
• Related to: openssl, tls-protocol

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

OpenSSL

Developers should learn and use OpenSSL when building or maintaining systems that require secure data transmission, such as HTTPS web servers, VPNs, or encrypted messaging applications

Pros

• It is essential for implementing SSL/TLS certificates, generating cryptographic keys, and performing security audits in environments like Linux servers, where it is often the default tool for handling cryptographic operations
• Related to: tls-ssl, cryptography

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. GnuTLS is a library while OpenSSL is a tool. We picked GnuTLS based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

GnuTLS wins

Based on overall popularity. GnuTLS is more widely used, but OpenSSL excels in its own space.