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Understanding Cryptographic Hashes
A hash function is a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. It's a mathematical algorithm that takes an input (like a file or a password) and produces a fixed-size string of characters, which is unique to that input. This output is called a "hash" or a "digest". Our tool allows you to explore this concept with the most widely used algorithms. Dive deeper into the world of hashing with our comprehensive articles:
What is Hashing? A Beginner's Guide
Start here to understand the fundamental concepts, properties, and common uses of hashing in an easy-to-understand way.
Read Full Article →What is Bcrypt? A Guide to Modern Password Hashing
Learn why fast hashes aren't enough for passwords and how Bcrypt's deliberate slowness makes it a cornerstone of modern security.
Read Full Article →Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this online hash generator safe to use?
Yes. Our tool is 100% client-side, which means all hashing calculations happen directly in your browser on your computer. No data or files you input are ever sent to our servers. Your privacy and data security are guaranteed.
2. What is the difference between Hashing and Encryption?
Hashing is a one-way process; you cannot reverse a hash to get the original input. Encryption is a two-way process; data that is encrypted can be decrypted back into its original form using the correct key. Hashing is used for integrity and verification, while encryption is used for confidentiality.
3. Can two different files have the same hash?
For a secure algorithm like SHA-256, it is theoretically possible but statistically impossible. This event is called a "hash collision". While collisions have been demonstrated for older, broken algorithms like MD5, it is considered computationally infeasible to find a collision for modern algorithms like SHA-256.
4. Why are some hashes longer than others?
The length of a hash is determined by the algorithm. For example, MD5 always produces a 128-bit hash, while SHA-256 always produces a 256-bit hash. A longer hash provides a larger number of possible combinations, making it more secure against brute-force and collision attacks.