Hash Generator

Generate MD5, SHA1, SHA256, and SHA512 hashes from text or files.

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About Hash Functions

A hash function is a one-way cryptographic algorithm that converts any input into a fixed-size string of characters. The same input always produces the same hash, but you cannot reverse a hash back to the original input.

Hash Algorithm Comparison

Algorithm Output Size Security Use Case
MD5 128 bits (32 hex) Broken Checksums, non-security
SHA-1 160 bits (40 hex) Weak Legacy systems
SHA-256 256 bits (64 hex) Strong Passwords, blockchain, SSL
SHA-512 512 bits (128 hex) Very Strong High-security applications

Common Use Cases

  • Password Storage: Store hashed passwords instead of plain text.
  • File Integrity: Verify downloaded files haven't been tampered with.
  • Digital Signatures: Create unique identifiers for documents.
  • Blockchain: Bitcoin uses SHA-256 for mining and transactions.
  • Caching: Generate cache keys from content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my data safe?

Yes! All hashing is done in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Your text and files are never uploaded to any server.

Why is MD5 considered broken?

Researchers have demonstrated practical collision attacks on MD5, meaning two different inputs can produce the same hash. It should never be used for security purposes like password hashing.

Can I decrypt a hash?

No. Hash functions are one-way. You cannot reverse a hash to get the original input. However, attackers can use rainbow tables or brute force to find matches for weak inputs.

Which algorithm should I use?

For security purposes, use SHA-256 or SHA-512. For simple checksums where security isn't critical, MD5 is faster but not recommended for new projects.

Why do small changes produce completely different hashes?

This is called the "avalanche effect." A good hash function ensures that even a 1-bit change in input produces a completely different output, making it impossible to predict changes.

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