gen-explain-block-versus-stream-ciphers-as-you-would-to-a-capabl-9409

Explain block versus stream ciphers as you would to a capable student, in 3-4 sentences.

# Block vs Stream Ciphers **Block ciphers** encrypt data in fixed-size chunks (typically 128 bits), processing each block independently through the same algorithm—like cutting a document into pages and scrambling each page separately using the same method. **Stream ciphers** encrypt data one bit or byte at a time by generating a continuous keystream that's XORed with the plaintext—imagine overlaying your message with a random pad and performing addition at each position. The key tradeoff: block ciphers are generally more versatile and can be used in different modes, while stream ciphers are typically faster and better suited for real-time applications like video streaming where data arrives continuously.