What is a Hash Function?
A hash function converts input data of any size into a fixed-size string of characters. The output (hash) is unique to the input - even a small change in input produces a completely different hash.
Common Uses
• Password storage
• Data integrity verification
• File checksums
• Digital signatures
• Blockchain technology
Hash Algorithms
MD5: 128-bit hash, fast but not recommended for security. SHA-1: 160-bit hash, deprecated for security use. SHA-256/384/512: Part of SHA-2 family, recommended for security applications.