License: GPLv3
Chimera is a simple yet powerful and customizable command-line tool to encode and decode messages using a unique, pattern-based cipher system. It was created out of the need to securely send coded messages over various communication channels like text, phone, and radio — all while keeping the output human-readable and easy to convey.
- Pattern-driven multi-method cipher: Use patterns made of characters to chain multiple transformations that alter the message.
- Customizable alphabet: Defaults to uppercase alphanumeric characters but can be customized to include punctuation or Unicode characters.
- Case-insensitive: Input and patterns are normalized to uppercase for consistency.
- Shift customization: Numeric suffixes on patterns let you specify custom shift values for shift-based transformations.
- Human-readable output: Outputs consist entirely of characters in the chosen alphabet—ideal for verbal or radio transmission.
- Extensible: Easily add your own transformations to customize ciphering behavior.
Make sure you have Node.js installed on your system.
Clone or download this repository, then give executable permission to the script (optional):
chmod +x chimera.jsnode chimera.js <encode|decode|e|d> <pattern>[shift] <text>- encode / e: Encode the given text using the provided pattern.
- decode / d: Decode the given text using the provided pattern.
- pattern: A string where each character specifies a transformation. Optionally, end with a number to specify a numeric shift for 'C' commands.
- text: The message to encode or decode.
Encode a message with pattern ACE and default shift (5):
node chimera.js encode ACE "Hello123"Encode with pattern ACE and shift 22 for shift operations:
node chimera.js encode ACE22 "Hello123"Decode the previously encoded message:
node chimera.js decode ACE22 <encoded_text>| Pattern Char | Transformation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Reverse | Reverses the entire message |
| B | ROT13 (letters only) | Shifts letters by 13; digits and others unchanged |
| C | Caesar shift (custom shift) | Shift by numeric value after pattern (default 5) |
| D | Inverse of Caesar (+5) | Inverse shift of 5 |
| E | Swap halves | Swaps first and second halves of message |
| H | Rotate right by 1 | Moves last character to front |
| I | Rotate left by 2 | Moves first two characters to end |
| J | Atbash (full alphabet mirror) | Reverses alphabet characters |
| S | Shift by pattern character index | Shift by index of pattern char |
You can customize the alphabet in the script (ALPHABET variable):
let ALPHABET = 'ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0123456789.,<>/?~!@#%^&*()-_=+';- Alphabet is automatically normalized to uppercase and deduplicated.
- Inputs and patterns are sanitized to only include characters in the alphabet.
- All shifts and transforms operate within the bounds of this alphabet.
- Adding punctuation or Unicode enables encoding non-alphanumeric messages seamlessly.
This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPLv3).
See LICENSE for details.
Chimera was born from a desire for a simple yet flexible way to send coded messages across varied channels — text, phone calls, radio transmissions — where conventional ciphers may be impractical. The pattern-based approach gives you full control over how your message is transformed, allowing you to create strong, layered encryptions tailored to your needs.