Luhnbased

Luhnbased is a term used to describe systems or algorithms that implement the Luhn algorithm, also known as the Luhn formula or the "modulus 10" algorithm. The Luhn algorithm is a simple checksum formula used to validate a variety of identification numbers, such as credit card numbers, IMEI numbers, National Provider Identifier numbers in the United States, and Canadian Social Insurance Numbers. It was patented by Hans Peter Luhn of IBM in 1960.

The core principle of the Luhn algorithm is to detect most single-digit errors and some transpositions of adjacent digits. It does this by performing a series of arithmetic operations on the digits of the number. The process typically involves doubling every second digit from right to left. If doubling a digit results in a two-digit number, the digits of that number are added together (e.g., 7 doubled is 14, which becomes 1 + 4 = 5). All the resulting digits are then summed. If the total sum is a multiple of 10, the number is considered valid according to the Luhn algorithm.

Implementations referred to as "Luhnbased" are therefore designed to apply this validation check. This can be found in various software applications, databases, and data entry forms where the integrity of identification numbers is crucial. The widespread use of the Luhn algorithm makes it a common, though not foolproof, method for basic data validation to prevent simple input errors. It is important to note that passing the Luhn check does not guarantee the legitimacy of an identification number, only its structural validity.