Class AlgorithmParameterGenerator

public class AlgorithmParameterGenerator extends Object

The AlgorithmParameterGenerator class is used to generate a set of parameters to be used with a certain algorithm. Parameter generators are constructed using the getInstance factory methods (static methods that return instances of a given class).

The object that will generate the parameters can be initialized in two different ways: in an algorithm-independent manner, or in an algorithm-specific manner:

• The algorithm-independent approach uses the fact that all parameter generators share the concept of a "size" and a source of randomness. The measure of size is universally shared by all algorithm parameters, though it is interpreted differently for different algorithms. For example, in the case of parameters for the DSA algorithm, "size" corresponds to the size of the prime modulus (in bits). When using this approach, algorithm-specific parameter generation values - if any - default to some standard values, unless they can be derived from the specified size.
• The other approach initializes a parameter generator object using algorithm-specific semantics, which are represented by a set of algorithm-specific parameter generation values. To generate Diffie-Hellman system parameters, for example, the parameter generation values usually consist of the size of the prime modulus and the size of the random exponent, both specified in number of bits.

In case the client does not explicitly initialize the AlgorithmParameterGenerator (via a call to an init method), each provider must supply (and document) a default initialization. See the Keysize Restriction sections of the JDK Providers document for information on the AlgorithmParameterGenerator defaults used by JDK providers. However, note that defaults may vary across different providers. Additionally, the default value for a provider may change in a future version. Therefore, it is recommended to explicitly initialize the AlgorithmParameterGenerator instead of relying on provider-specific defaults.

Every implementation of the Java platform is required to support the following standard AlgorithmParameterGenerator algorithms and keysizes in parentheses:

• DiffieHellman (1024, 2048)
• DSA (1024, 2048)

These algorithms are described in the AlgorithmParameterGenerator section of the Java Security Standard Algorithm Names Specification. Consult the release documentation for your implementation to see if any other algorithms are supported.