Symmetric key and asymmetric key

Question

what is the differences between symmetric key and an asymmetric key?

Answer 1

A Symmetric key is used to both encrypt and decrypt a message.  You have only one key for both.  This method is usually faster, but it is harder to set up in a secure manner, since you have to be careful how you distribute the key or the wrong people can get it and use it to compromise your security.

An Asymmetric key is used to encrypt OR decrypt a message.  You need two keys, one to encrypt, a second to decrypt.  The encryption is usually more slower and more processor intensive, however, it is easy to implement.  One key is labled the 'Private Key' and it is kept in your possession, the otheris labeled the 'Public Key' and distributed to anyone who needs to communicate with you