Hashesblok

Hashesblok is a data structure and protocol used to organize and verify the integrity of digital content by collecting blocks of cryptographic hash values. A hashesblok typically contains a sequence of entries. Each entry stores a hash digest of a data block, along with optional metadata such as the size of the original block and identifiers like timestamps or block IDs. Hash digests are commonly produced with standard algorithms such as SHA-256, SHA-3, or BLAKE2.

Many implementations include a header with version information and, optionally, a reference to a previous hashesblok, enabling a chained or versioned history of data states. In practice, a hashesblok is used in content-addressable storage and backup systems to verify data integrity efficiently, often without re-reading the full content every time.

Common applications include archival storage, software distribution, data deduplication, and digital forensics. Advantages include fast integrity checks, compact representation, and support for deduplication across datasets. Limitations include that it only provides integrity guarantees for the hashed content and depends on the strength of the chosen hash function. It does not conceal content, and there can be overhead in computing and maintaining hashes for large datasets.

History and terminology: the term hashesblok appears in several data-management contexts as a generic label for a container of hash digests. It is not a widely standardized term. See also hash function, Merkle tree, content-addressable storage, data integrity.