PuTTYgen for Mac

Comprehensive Review of PuTTYgen for Mac

PuTTYgen is a free and open-source SSH key generator that simplifies the creation of secure key pairs for SSH connections. As part of the PuTTY suite, it allows users to generate RSA, DSA, ECDSA, and Ed25519 keys, focusing on secure data transmission and digital signatures. Users can generate new keys or load existing ones, making it a versatile tool for both novices and experienced users in networking environments. The application facilitates the management of SSH keys by enabling users to modify passphrases and comments, as well as create copies of public keys for easy deployment on servers.

The user experience is straightforward, allowing users to select key types and strengths before generating keys. The interface, while functional, may feel outdated compared to modern applications, but it effectively serves its purpose. PuTTYgen supports SSH-1 and SSH-2 protocols, with SSH-1 limited to RSA keys, while SSH-2 accommodates various key types for enhanced security. Overall, PuTTYgen is an essential tool for anyone needing to generate SSH keys quickly and efficiently.