Hash Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hash
[hæʃ ]
Definitions
cryptography term
A hash is a string of characters generated from data using a specific algorithm. It is commonly used in computer science and cryptography to ensure data integrity and security. Hash functions convert input data of any size into a fixed-size output, making it difficult to reverse-engineer the original data. This process is crucial for password storage, digital signatures, and verifying data authenticity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The password is stored as a hash to increase security.
- The integrity of the file can be verified using its hash.
- Hash functions are essential in blockchain technology.
data processing
To hash means to convert data into a hash value using a hash function. This process involves taking an input (or 'message') and returning a fixed-size string of bytes. Hashing is used for various purposes, including data retrieval, ensuring data integrity, and securing sensitive information. It is a one-way process, meaning that it cannot be reversed to retrieve the original input.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- You can hash the data before sending it over the network.
- We need to hash the passwords before storing them.
- Make sure to hash the incoming data for better security.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Arts
- Traditionally, hash is a dish made from diced meat and potatoes, often leftover, mixed together and cooked.
- The term 'hash' can refer to various dishes worldwide, like 'corned beef hash' which combines corned beef with potatoes.
- In British cuisine, hash is often served as a breakfast dish, showcasing leftovers with new seasoning and textures.
Technology
- In computer science, 'hashing' transforms input data into a fixed-size string of characters, making it easier to manage.
- Hash functions are crucial in cybersecurity, allowing for secure password storage and data integrity checks.
- Data structures like hash tables use hashing techniques to improve access speed to stored data.
Literature
- The word 'hash' appears in literature to describe the mixing and confusion of ideas in writing and narrative forms.
- In poetry, 'hashing' can refer to a mixture of words and styles to create a unique voice or effect.
- In modern storytelling, character interactions can be seen as a 'hash' of experiences, blending different backstories into one cohesive plot.
Social Culture
- Hash-based discussions in social media often refer to a mix of conversations around trending topics, represented by hashtags.
- In the context of social gatherings, a 'hash' event can symbolize the blending of different people and cultures through food and sharing.
- Hash parties, where chefs concoct creative dishes from leftover ingredients, have become popular in sustainability discussions.
Gaming
- In gaming, a 'hash' can help in creating randomized elements, like loot drops or procedural generation in video games.
- Players might encounter 'hash' math in game code, referring to coding that generates unique player experiences.
- Certain games use hashing to create secure matchups or fair play using balanced algorithms.
Origin of 'hash'
The word 'hash' originates from the Middle French term 'hacher', which means 'to chop'. The term itself has been used in various contexts, including cooking and computing. In the culinary context, it referred to a dish made from diced or chopped meat. However, in the realm of computer science, 'hash' began to take on a new meaning with the advent of cryptographic hashing algorithms in the late 20th century. The transition to this new meaning occurred due to the process's resemblance to 'chopping' data into smaller, fixed-size units. The concept of hashing became increasingly relevant as the need for data integrity and security grew in digital communications and data storage. Today, hashing is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity, data integrity, and information retrieval.