A hashing function is a mathematical function that converts a text or a list of numbers into a fixed-length string called a hash value or a digest. Hashing functions are one way functions, which means that they are irreversible and theoretically provide a unique output for every input. Hashing functions are used for various purposes, such as encrypting communication, protecting sensitive data, adding digital signatures, and locating identical or similar data sets.
Hashing functions are also referred to as hashing algorithms or message digest functions. They are used across many areas of computer science, for example:
- To encrypt communication between web servers and browsers.
- To generate session IDs for internet applications and data caching.
Hashing is the one-way act of converting the data (called a message) into the output (called the hash). The output values cannot be inverted to produce the original input.
There are different types of hashing functions such as:
- MD5 (Message Digest 5)
- SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1)
- SHA-2 (Secure Hash Algorithm 2)
- SHA-3 (Secure Hash Algorithm 3)
MD5 is widely used for checking data integrity. SHA-1 is used for digital signatures. SHA-2 is used for SSL certificates. SHA-3 is used for password storage.
I hope this helps you understand what hashing functions are. Here are some websites that discuss What Is A Hashing Function?:
1. [GeeksforGeeks](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/hash-functions-and-list-types-of-hash-functions/)
2. [Corporate Finance Institute](https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/cryptocurrency/hash-function/)
3. [IONOS](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/security/hash-function/)
4. [Codecademy Blog](https://www.codecademy.com/resources/blog/what-is-hashing/)
5. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_function)
Let me know if you have any other questions.
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