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PHP sodium_crypto_kx_server_session_keys() Function: Usage and Examples

Derives the matching receiving and sending keys on the server side of a libsodium public-key exchange.

1 views Published Oct 17, 2026 Updated Oct 17, 2026 Know-Stuff

Derives the matching receiving and sending keys on the server side of a libsodium public-key exchange.

Before using it, identify which data, connection or runtime state the operation reads or changes. This avoids examples that appear to work but apply to a different context.

What Is sodium_crypto_kx_server_session_keys() in PHP?


Derives the matching receiving and sending keys on the server side of a libsodium public-key exchange.

Syntax:

<?php

// Signature for reference only
sodium_crypto_kx_server_session_keys(string $server_key_pair, string $client_key) : array

Parameters and Return Value


  • $server_key_pair — Required string argument supplied to this operation.
  • $client_key — Required string argument supplied to this operation.

The declared return type is array.

Example 1: Basic Usage


<?php

$clientKeyPair = sodium_crypto_kx_keypair();
$serverKeyPair = sodium_crypto_kx_keypair();
$sessionKeys = sodium_crypto_kx_server_session_keys($serverKeyPair, sodium_crypto_kx_publickey($clientKeyPair));
echo count($sessionKeys);

Derives the matching receiving and sending keys on the server side of a libsodium public-key exchange.

Example 2: Another Case


<?php

$clientKeyPair = sodium_crypto_kx_keypair();
$serverKeyPair = sodium_crypto_kx_keypair();
$sessionKeys = sodium_crypto_kx_server_session_keys($serverKeyPair, sodium_crypto_kx_publickey($clientKeyPair));
echo strlen($sessionKeys[0]);

The second example changes the input or surrounding conditions, which matters when choosing this API for real application code.

Practical Example


<?php

$clientKeyPair = sodium_crypto_kx_keypair();
$serverKeyPair = sodium_crypto_kx_keypair();
$sessionKeys = sodium_crypto_kx_server_session_keys($serverKeyPair, sodium_crypto_kx_publickey($clientKeyPair));
// The pair contains receive and transmit keys in documented order.
var_dump(count($sessionKeys) === 2);

The practical example is a teaching scenario. Change sample configuration and credentials before using a similar design in an application.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • Each party must use its own secret key and the other party’s authenticated public key; never log derived keys.
  • Relevant PHP environment: sodium. Ensure the required extension and operating-system capabilities are present.
  • Check results and release resources where necessary; successful syntax alone does not guarantee a successful operation.

Comparison With Related Functions


OptionWhen to Use It
sodium_crypto_kx_server_session_keysDerives the matching receiving and sending keys on the server side of a libsodium public-key exchange.
sodium_crypto_kx_keypairUse this related operation for its different responsibilities; do not assume identical inputs or return values.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Using one directional key for both traffic directionsUse the receiving and transmitting keys for the correct communication direction.
Treating raw public keys as trusted identitiesAuthenticate peer public keys through a separate trust mechanism.
Logging session keys for debuggingNever record derived secret keys or the private keypair.

Key Takeaways


  • Derives the matching receiving and sending keys on the server side of a libsodium public-key exchange.
  • Each party must use its own secret key and the other party’s authenticated public key; never log derived keys.
  • Validate inputs and handle failure conditions before integrating this operation into a production workflow.

Derives the matching receiving and sending keys on the server side of a libsodium public-key exchange. Use the appropriate runtime and treat any environment-dependent output as an example, not a guaranteed result.

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