Best way to encrypt a directory of files?

Question

I need to programatically encrypt a directory of files, like in a .zip or whatever. Preferably password protected obviously.

How can I accomplish this, and WHAT IS the BEST encryption way to do it, if applicable?

Programming language doesn't matter. I am dictioned in all syntax.

Answer 1

How can I accomplish this, and WHAT IS the BEST encryption way to do it, if applicable?

• tar and gzip the directory.
• Generate a random bit stream of equal size to the file
• Run bitwise XOR on the streams

Only truly secure method is a truly random one time pad.