Hashväärtus

A hash value, often referred to as a hash or digest, is a fixed-size string of characters derived from an input of arbitrary size. This process is accomplished using a cryptographic hash function. The input can be any form of data, such as a file, a message, or a password. The output, the hash value, is typically much shorter than the original input and has a consistent length, regardless of the input's size.

Hash functions are designed to be one-way, meaning it is computationally infeasible to reverse the process and derive the original input from its hash value. They are also deterministic, so the same input will always produce the same hash value. A key property is collision resistance, where it is extremely difficult to find two different inputs that produce the same hash value.

Hash values are widely used in various computing applications. In data integrity checks, they ensure that data has not been altered accidentally or maliciously. By comparing the hash of a file before and after transmission or storage, one can verify its authenticity. In cryptography, hash functions are integral to digital signatures, password storage, and blockchain technology, providing security and verification mechanisms. The term "hashväärtus" is the Estonian translation for hash value.