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Enigma – a walkthrough from Caesar ciphers to a working Enigma machine

Enigma – a walkthrough from Caesar ciphers to a working Enigma machine

by mrroryflint·May 27, 2026·5 points·0 comments

AI Analysis

●●SolidCozyEye CandyRabbit Hole

Interactive scrollytelling that takes you from Caesar ciphers to cracking Enigma.

Strengths
  • Narrative arc builds from simple shifts to rotor mechanics logically
  • Historically accurate rotor wirings and stepping logic under the hood
  • Smooth GSAP animations make abstract crypto concepts tangible
Weaknesses
  • Linear experience offers little reason to return after the 15-minute walkthrough
  • Niche topic limits audience to history buffs and crypto curious
Category
Target Audience

History buffs, students, cryptography enthusiasts

Similar To

Cryptii · Enigma Simulator · Brilliant.org

Post Description

I recently went on a long walk (to get newborn twins to nap) and ended up having a long discussion with ChatGPT in voice mode; asking it to explain how the Enigma machine worked and clarifying all the errors in my current understanding.

I ended up going right back to basics and then subsequently spent ages failing to understand how it was cracked. Anyway, I built this in an attempt to recreate that arc for people (like me) who find Enigma intimidating: 13 stages, ~15 minutes, ending in a sandbox machine and the "no letter encrypts to itself" flaw that doomed it.

Built with React + SVG + GSAP. Rotor wirings and stepping are historically accurate; an Advanced toggle exposes Ringstellung and M4. Feedback very welcome, especially on stages that drag or lose you.

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