Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys - a public key and a private key.
Symmetric Encryption:
Same key for encrypt/decrypt
Faster performance
Key distribution challenge
Examples: AES, DES, 3DES
Asymmetric Encryption:
Public/private key pair
Slower performance
Solves key distribution problem
Examples: RSA, ECC, DSA
Example scenario: If Alice wants to send a message to Bob using symmetric encryption, they both need to have the same secret key beforehand. With asymmetric encryption, Bob can share his public key openly, and Alice can encrypt messages that only Bob can decrypt with his private key.
Rewriting in plainer words…
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