Methods and apparatus for coding and decoding n-state symbols with n≧2 and n>2 and n>3 and n>4 are provided wherein at least one implementation of an addition over an alternate finite field GF(n) and an inverter defined by a multiplication over the alternate finite field GF(n) are provided. Encoders and decoders implementing a single n-state truth table that is a truth table of an addition over an alternate finite field GF(n) modified in accordance with at least one inverter defined by a multiplication over the alternate finite field GF(n) are also provided. Encoders include scramblers, Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) based encoders, sequence generator based encoders, block coders, streaming cipher encoders, transposition encoders, hopping rule encoders, Feistel network based encoders, check symbol based encoders, Hamming coder, error correcting encoders, encipherment encoders, Elliptic Curve Coding encoders and all corresponding decoders. Systems applying encoders and decoders also are provided.