> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://alham-rizvi.gitbook.io/alhamrizvi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://alham-rizvi.gitbook.io/alhamrizvi/picoctf-writeups/picoctf/general-skills/bytemancy-0.md).

# bytemancy 0

The challenge presents a Python script running on a remote server. It asks for "ASCII DECIMAL 101, 101, 101, side-by-side, no space." If the input matches the character representation of those numbers, the server provides the flag.

#### **The Logic**

In computer science, every character you type has a corresponding numerical value called an **ASCII code**. The script performs a comparison check:

```python
if user_input == "\x65\x65\x65":
    print(open("./flag.txt", "r").read())
```

* **`\x65`** is the Hexadecimal representation of the number **101**.
* According to the ASCII table, the decimal value **101** maps to the lowercase letter **`e`**.
* Therefore, the string `"\x65\x65\x65"` is equivalent to the string **`eee`**.

#### **The Solution**

1. **Connect** to the server using `nc candy-mountain.picoctf.net 62026`.
2. **Translate** the decimal values:
   * 101 = `e`
   * 101 = `e`
   * 101 = `e`
3. **Input** the string: `eee`
4. **Result**: The server validates the match and prints the flag.

#### **Key Takeaway**

ASCII is **case-sensitive**.

* Lowercase `e` is **101**.
* Uppercase `E` is **69**.

In CTF challenges, always double-check whether the prompt asks for Decimal, Hex, or Octal, as "101" means something different in each base!

**Flag:** `picoCTF{pr1n74813_ch4r5_9b465df3}`


---

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