hash
n. countablen. a unique code made from a piece of data, like a password or a file. It acts like a digital fingerprint to help computers identify or verify information quickly.
n. a fixed-length value generated by an algorithm from a variable-length input, used to verify data integrity or facilitate rapid lookup. Often used in the context of cryptography or data structures.
The computer checks the file's hash to see if it changed.
When you enter your password, the system compares its hash to the one stored in the database for security.
By comparing the cryptographic hash of the downloaded file against the one provided by the developer, the user can ensure the software has not been tampered with by a third party.
From French hacher (“to chop”), from Middle French hacher, from Old French hacher, from Old French hache (“axe”), from Frankish *happjā (“axe”). Compare also Old English ġehæċċa (“sausage meat”, literally “that which is hacked or chopped up”).
Clipping of hashish.
Commonly used in the phrase 'hash function' or 'hash value'.