# Notes on OpenPGP

An introduction to the concepts of OpenPGP, aimed mainly at software
developers who are looking to use OpenPGP functionality in their projects.

This document describes
[OpenPGP version 6](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/draft-ietf-openpgp-crypto-refresh/),
with occasional remarks about differences to earlier versions.

This text is *not* intended as a guide for end-users who use OpenPGP-related software.

## What is OpenPGP?

OpenPGP is an open standard for cryptographic operations.
It has grown out of the
["Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Good_Privacy)
software.

OpenPGP is an open standard, there are many widely used
(and [interoperable](https://tests.sequoia-pgp.org/)) implementations.