noun / verb
hash
A fixed-length value computed from data.
The program hashes the file before comparing it with the stored value.
Etymology
The computing term borrows the chopping-and-mixing image. A hash function combines features of input data to produce a compact value used for comparison or lookup.
More examples
- A changed file produced a different hash.
- The server checked the password's hash.
- They are hashing each record before storage.
Forms
hash · hashes · hashed · hashing
Similar words
- checksum
- Often used specifically to detect accidental data changes.
- digest
- A digest in computing is a compact derived representation, often specifically cryptographic.