Chainsfromx
Chainsfromx is a term used in theoretical computer science and applied cryptography to describe a method of constructing a sequence (a chain) by repeatedly applying a transformation to an initial value x. Formally, given a deterministic function f, a chainsfromx sequence is x0 = x and x_{n+1} = f(x_n). The chain length, stopping criteria, and whether the process eventually enters a cycle are part of its analysis. The concept emphasizes the progression from a starting point rather than a single computation.
Construction and variants often rely on one-way or cryptographic hash-like functions to ensure that later elements
Applications and use cases span several areas. In authentication, chainsfromx underpins hash chain-based password storage and
See also: hash chain, one-way function, key derivation function.