What is Hash Generator?
Hash generator — compute hash values (digests) for text. Supports MD5 (128-bit, not recommended for security), SHA-1 (160-bit, deprecated), SHA-256 (256-bit, currently recommended), SHA-384, and SHA-512 (512-bit). Hash functions map arbitrary-length input to fixed-length output with one-way (irreversible) and collision-resistant properties. Use cases: file integrity verification, password storage, digital signatures, data deduplication. All computation runs locally using the Web Crypto API.
Use Cases
- ◆File integrity verification (hash comparison)
- ◆Password hash storage (salted SHA-256)
- ◆Digital signature generation
- ◆Data deduplication (Bloom filters)
- ◆Blockchain transaction hashes
How to Use
- 1Enter or paste your text
- 2Choose a hash algorithm
- 3See the hash value instantly
- 4One-click copy
Features
- ✓Multiple algorithms
- ✓Real-time computation
- ✓Hex output
- ✓Web Crypto API
- ✓Browser-only processing
FAQ
What is the difference between MD5 and SHA-256?
MD5 outputs 128 bits (32 hex chars), SHA-256 outputs 256 bits (64 chars). MD5 has known collision vulnerabilities — not for security use. SHA-256 is currently secure and recommended for password storage and file verification.
Can a hash be reversed?
No. Hash functions are one-way by design — they cannot be reversed. You can only try brute-force or rainbow table lookups, which is why password storage requires salting.
What is a hash collision?
When two different inputs produce the same hash. MD5 and SHA-1 have practical collision attacks. SHA-256 has no known practical collisions — theoretical collision probability is 2^(-128) with birthday attacks.
Why is the same text always the same hash?
Hash functions are deterministic — identical input always produces identical output. This is fundamental to how hashes work for integrity verification.
Is my text uploaded anywhere?
No. All hashing uses the browser Web Crypto API locally. Nothing is sent to a server.
Is SHA-256 or bcrypt better for passwords?
For password storage, use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 — these are intentionally slow hash functions designed for passwords. SHA-256 is too fast and vulnerable to brute-force. This tool is for general hashing, not direct password storage.