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Hashing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hashing

[ˈhæʃɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

data security

Hashing is the process of converting an input or a set of data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hash code. It is commonly used in computer security to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. The algorithm used in hashing generates a unique output for every unique input, making it a one-way function. Even a tiny change in the input data results in a significantly different hash output. Hashing is widely employed in various applications such as password storage, data verification, and digital signatures.

Synonyms

coding, digesting, encryption.

Examples of usage

  • The password was stored using hashing to enhance security.
  • Hashing the data ensures its integrity during transmission.
  • Digital signatures rely on hashing to verify authenticity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Hashing is a fundamental part of many security systems, ensuring that passwords are stored in a way that they can't be easily read by anyone who shouldn't see them.
  • Common hashing algorithms like SHA-256 are used in cryptocurrencies to secure transactions, making sure that each one is unique and verifiable.
  • Many computer programs use hashing to quickly retrieve data, similar to looking up a word in a dictionary using its first letter.

Psychology

  • The human brain often hashes experiences into memories, categorizing them into digestible codes, like creating folders for different subjects.
  • Just like in hashing, our memory can become less precise over time, sometimes mixing up details but keeping the main idea.

Literature

  • The concept of hashing can relate to how stories are structured, breaking down complex narratives into themes and character arcs that are easier to understand.
  • In the digital age, authors often 'hash out' ideas in brainstorming sessions, transforming initial thoughts into organized plots.

Pop Culture

  • Hashing is often referenced in discussions about data privacy on social media, as it plays a crucial role in protecting user information.
  • 'Hashing' also appears in tech-themed films and series, where it's depicted as a vital security measure in hacking plots.

Origin of 'hashing'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hash' comes from the French word 'hacher', meaning 'to chop' or 'to hash out', reflecting how it breaks data into smaller pieces.
  • Hashing in computing can be traced back to the 1950s, initially used for organizing and managing data efficiently.

The term 'hashing' comes from the word 'hash', which itself has origins in the 15th century, originating from Middle French. The etymology relates to the culinary practice of chopping up food into small pieces, a concept that metaphorically reflects how data is processed into smaller, fixed sizes in computer science. In the 20th century, the term began to be associated with functions that take arbitrary input data and produce a fixed-size string of text (the hash). The first widely used hash function was the MD5 algorithm, developed in 1991, which set the foundation for modern hashing techniques used in cryptography, data structure management, and more recently in blockchain technology. Hashing has become essential in ensuring data security, as it allows developers and security experts to verify data integrity without exposing original data.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,524 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.