What is a hash?
A hash function turns any data into a fixed-size fingerprint. The same input always gives the same hash, but you cannot recover the input from the hash. It is used to verify file integrity or store fingerprints.
Which algorithm to choose?
- MD5 and SHA-1: fast but obsolete for security (known collisions).
- SHA-256 / SHA-512: recommended today for integrity and cryptography.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hash be “decrypted”?
No. A hash is not reversible: it is a one-way fingerprint, not encryption.
Is my text sent to a server?
No, everything is computed locally in your browser.