Hash Generator
Generate SHA hashes from text
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hash function?
A hash function takes input data of any size and produces a fixed-size output (the hash). It's a one-way function - you can't reverse a hash to get the original data. The same input always produces the same hash.
What is the difference between SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512?
SHA-1 produces a 160-bit (40 character) hash and is considered weak for security. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit (64 character) hash and is widely used for security applications. SHA-512 produces a 512-bit (128 character) hash and offers the highest security.
What are hashes used for?
Hashes are used for password storage (never store plain passwords), file integrity verification, digital signatures, data deduplication, and blockchain/cryptocurrency. They ensure data hasn't been tampered with.
Is SHA-256 secure?
Yes, SHA-256 is currently considered cryptographically secure. It's used in Bitcoin, SSL certificates, and government applications. No practical collision attacks have been found against SHA-256.