Seeking help in expressing to code a known element within argv[1][ ]

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In case of HELLO as plaintext,

int s[0] – 65 == argv[1][7]

A problem faced is how to express int s[0] – 65 = 7 within argv[1][ ].

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Reply

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Why do you want to check if ‘H’ – 65 has same value as the 8th element of the key?

‘H’ – 65 = 72 – 65 = 7

So on the left side you have found the position of ‘H’ in the alphabet and that is great! Use that position to find the substitute letter, not to compare with it 🙂

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Query

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int s[0] – 65 == argv[1][7]

It is clear that s[0] will have the value of argv[1][7].

I doubt the below the right way:

int s[0] – 65 = argv[1][7]

as how can I put 7 inside argv[1][7]. I think I need to find a way to put 7 in second square bracket in a way that captures input from int s[0] – 65 instead of directly putting 7. Any clue appreciated.

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Reply

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I think I need to find a way to put 7 in second square bracket in a way that captures input from int s[0] – 65

There you kind of have it yourself ….. just forget about the number 7!!! Use what leads you to 7, “s[0] – 65″!! You don’t need to find a way, just do it:

[dm_code_snippet background=”yes” background-mobile=”no” slim=”yes” line-numbers=”yes” bg-color=”#abb8c3″ theme=”dark” language=”clike” wrapped=”yes” height=”” copy-text=”Copy Code” copy-confirmed=”Copied”]

argv[1][s[0] - 65]

[/dm_code_snippet]

 

There! No special way, just put your expression inside the brackets 🙂

Then make your loop to get all the letters of your plaintext, not only s[0]. Almost there 🙂

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Query

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argv[1][s[0] – 65]

Could you please explain why

argv[1][int s[0] – 65] not used. My understanding is that since we are doing arithmetical calculation, int s[0] will fetch 72 and s[0] will fetch H. The reason could be as the end output (8th key) will be fetched in the alphabet and not its index. If so, then s[0] – 65 is able to perform arithmetical calculation?

I actually tried with s[i] = argv[1][int s[i] – 65]; and it is showing error.

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Reply

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When you use “int” in that line it looks to C like you are trying to declare a new int variable and that does not make sense.

To get the understanding of char and int in the context of letters try to run this short program:

[dm_code_snippet background=”yes” background-mobile=”no” slim=”yes” line-numbers=”yes” bg-color=”#abb8c3″ theme=”dark” language=”clike” wrapped=”yes” height=”” copy-text=”Copy Code” copy-confirmed=”Copied”]

#include 

int main(void)
{    
    char letters[4] = {'A', 'B', 'C', 'D'};    
    printf("Letter as char: %c\n", letters[0]);
    printf("Letter as int: %i\n", letters[0]);
    printf("Letter as int in formula: %i\n", letters[0] - 65);
}

[/dm_code_snippet]

You will see that ‘A’ can be used both as a number and as a character and can be used directly in a formula 🙂

What you are trying to do with “int s[0]” is to “cast” s[0] as an integer. The syntax for doing that in C is “(int) s[0]” …. but that is not needed here.

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Reply

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On Edx forum, one expert advised to use a variable (https://edstem.org/us/courses/176/discussion/1164829?comment=2689537). I have come up with this code:

int s[0] – 65 = t

s[0] = argv[1][t]

Is the above correct?

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