Checksum: meaning, definitions and examples

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checksum

 

[ ˈtʃɛksˌʌm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

data integrity

A checksum is a value used to verify the integrity of data. It is calculated from a set of data, allowing for error detection in data transmission or storage. If the checksum does not match the expected value, it indicates that the data may have been compromised or corrupted.

Synonyms

digest, hash, hash value.

Examples of usage

  • The software calculated a checksum to ensure the file was not altered.
  • During the download, a checksum is often used to verify file integrity.
  • We used a checksum to check for errors in the transmitted data.

Translations

Translations of the word "checksum" in other languages:

🇵🇹 soma de verificação

🇮🇳 चेकसम

🇩🇪 Prüfziffer

🇮🇩 checksum

🇺🇦 контрольна сума

🇵🇱 suma kontrolna

🇯🇵 チェックサム

🇫🇷 somme de contrôle

🇪🇸 suma de verificación

🇹🇷 kontrol toplamı

🇰🇷 체크섬

🇸🇦 مجموع التحقق

🇨🇿 kontrolní součet

🇸🇰 kontrolný súčet

🇨🇳 校验和

🇸🇮 kontrolna vsota

🇮🇸 samskiptasumma

🇰🇿 тексеруші сома

🇬🇪 შეკითხვა

🇦🇿 nəzərdən keçirmə toplamı

🇲🇽 suma de verificación

Etymology

The term 'checksum' is derived from the combination of 'check' and 'sum', referring to a value that is checked for accuracy in data. The concept of checksums has been prevalent in computing since the early days of data transmission and storage, where ensuring data accuracy was critical. Initially, checksums were simple sums of data bytes, but as technology evolved, more sophisticated algorithms were developed to enhance error detection capabilities. The use of checksums has expanded beyond basic error detection to applications in cryptography, data integrity verification, and network communications. These tools have become essential in modern computing, ensuring that data remains intact across various systems and platforms.