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Idiot code

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An idiot code is a code whereupon the "syntax" or "rules" of communication are worked out between the parties.

Example

Any sentence where 'day' and 'night' are used means 'attack'. The location mentioned in the following sentence specifies the location to be attacked.

Message ! Tomorrow we'll head on to Rome.

De-coding

There are only two ways to break this code:

  1. Know what the rules are.
  2. See enough of the messages to work out the rules.

The problem with number 1 is that this type of information passing is set up before usage and is extremely hard to decipher as the message is "hidden in plain sight". Anybody intercepting this message probably would not even know it is a communication.

The problem with number 2 is that you would need several verified messages of this type to determine the rules of communication.

Disadvantages

The drawbacks of this type of message passing is that is it extremely limited. A codebook would be needed to effectively communicate complex information. Simple information such as "yes" or "no" can be built into phrases and have several variants. However, complex information such as "Meet a man with red hair under the Bass Bridge at 12:43 and be sure to wear a black cloak and a fedora so he recognises you" would be much harder unless you have constructed your rules to allow for this type of information to be passed.

This type of communication is akin to the hand signals used by armies in the field.

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