Where to Install Crypto Library C++ on Mac

Crypto++ is a free and open-source C++ library for cryptographic algorithms and schemes. It includes a wide range of algorithms, including symmetric-key, public-key, digital signature, and message authentication code (MAC) algorithms. However, the installment process is not the easiest, as many inexperienced programmers often don’t know where to install crypto library C++ on Mac.

Crypto Library C++ should be installed in the Mac’s /usr/local/ directory, which is also the default location where the makefile system copies all the files. However, the crypto library will first have to be built by a build system and processed by an appropriate compiler.


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Crypto++ is one of the most popular cryptography libraries in the world. It has been downloaded over 1 million times and used in a wide range of applications, from small embedded systems to high-performance servers. The library goes by several different names, including CryptoPP, libcryptopp, libcrypto++, with the latter two primarily being used by Linux developers.

Crypto C++ Library Should Be Installed in the Default Directory

Mac devices don’t automatically come with C++ libraries, so you need to install and set up Crypto++ yourself. It’s highly recommended that the crypto library be installed in the /usr/local/ directory. This is because the macOS makefile also uses the default directory, and it defines which tasks need to be executed.

How to Install a Crypto++ Library on a Mac

In order to install the Crypto++ library on you your Mac computer, you need to:

  • Download the source code for the library,
  • Unzip the downloaded file and navigate to the cryptopp folder,
  • Open the macOS terminal (Applications->Utilities->Terminal),
  • CD to the library’s “cryptopp” directory,
  • Run the following commands: make; make test; sudo make install.

Imputing these commands will create a static cryptography library and cryptest executable program. Thankfully, several other commands will allow you to modify and upgrade the library precisely how you want it to be. Some of these modifications include:

  • Build a shared object

make static dynamic cryptest.exe, or

make libcryptopp.a libcryptopp.so cryptest.exe,

  • Build using C++11

export CXXFLAGS=”-DNDEBUG -g2 -O3 -std=c++11″ 

make, or 

CXXFLAGS=”-DNDEBUG -g2 -O3 -std=c++11″ make,

  • Use a different compiler: (CXX set)

export CXX=/opt/intel/bin/icpc

make, or

CXX=/opt/solarisstudio12.4/bin/CC make.

Building a Crypto C++ Library has a few prerequisites, including a GNU Make of 3.81 or more and a semi-modern C++ compiler that supports C++03, 64-bit words, RTTI, namespaces, and exceptions. Make sure you have these properly set up to minimize the chances of any errors occurring.

How to Install the Crypto++ Library With the Homebrew Package Manager

Since the C++ cryptographic library installment is a bit more complicated, you can also try installing it through the Homebrew Missing Package Manager. The newer versions of the app automatically come with the crypto library included, and they also make installing lots of different Mac software so much easier. To install the C++ library through the app, you need to:

  • Open the command terminal,
  • Run:

/bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)” 

  • Run:

brew install cryptopp

That’s all there is to it. You are now free to use the Crypto++ library.

Benefits of Installing the Crypto++ Library

Cryptography is one of the oldest sciences and has been used for centuries to protect important information. It is a process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format and vice versa, which protects your information from unauthorized access and ensures communication privacy. Using Crypto++ provides several other benefits, including:

  • A wide range of cryptographic techniques,
  • Access to the latest cryptographic technology,
  • Expertise in cryptography,
  • Access to our library of C++ classes,
  • The best support for your project,
  • The latest research in cryptography.

Are There Any Other Cryptography Platforms I Can Install?

If you are looking for alternatives, there are a number of open-source libraries available for cryptography on MacOS. OpenSSL is a well-known library that provides a wide range of cryptographic functionality. Botan is a more lightweight alternative to OpenSSL, and it also has a shorter learning curve.

However, if you are starting from scratch, I would still recommend using the Crypto++ library. Although the installation process is a bit more complicated than with OpenSSL or Botan, its lightweight makes it worth the effort.

Get To Know the Library’s Code and Functions

Once you have chosen a library to work from, start by reading through the documentation and studying the example code. Then begin implementing your own cryptography functions, taking care to follow best practices and avoid common security vulnerabilities. Good luck, and keep on programming.