hash

Front

What is a hash?

Back

A hash is a function that converts an input (or 'message') into a fixed-size string of bytes. The output is typically a 'digest' that is unique to each unique input.

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What is the purpose of hashing?

Back

Hashing is used to ensure data integrity, create unique identifiers for data, and securely store passwords.

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What is a hash function?

Back

A hash function is an algorithm that takes an input and produces a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a sequence of numbers and letters.

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What is a collision in hashing?

Back

A collision occurs when two different inputs produce the same hash output.

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What is a cryptographic hash?

Back

A cryptographic hash is a hash function that is designed to be secure against attacks, making it infeasible to reverse the process or find two inputs that produce the same output.

Front

What is an example of a hash function?

Back

Common examples of hash functions include MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256.

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What is the output size of a SHA-256 hash?

Back

The output size of a SHA-256 hash is 256 bits, or 32 bytes.

Front

What is the difference between a hash and an encryption?

Back

Hashing is a one-way function that produces a fixed-size output, while encryption is a two-way function that can be reversed to retrieve the original data.

Front

What is the role of hashes in data structures like hash tables?

Back

In hash tables, hashes are used to quickly locate a data record given its search key.

Front

What does it mean for a hash function to be deterministic?

Back

A deterministic hash function will always produce the same output for the same input.