Hashing

Hashing is the process of converting input data into a fixed-length string of characters, known as a hash. It’s used in blockchain technology to secure data, verify transactions, and ensure that information remains unaltered over time. A small change in the input will result in a completely different hash, making it easy to detect modifications.

How Hashing Works

In hashing, any input—whether it’s a transaction, message, or file—is passed through a hash function. This function returns a fixed-length output (hash) that is unique to the input. Hashing algorithms are designed to be one-way, meaning they can’t be reversed to retrieve the original data.

Importance of Hashing

Hashing plays a critical role in blockchain security by ensuring data integrity and protecting against tampering. It links blocks together in the blockchain and enables transparent verification of data without the need for third-party intermediaries.