Hash Generator

A hash function is a mathematical algorithm that converts input data of any size into a fixed-size string of characters (the hash or digest). Hash functions are one-way, meaning you cannot reverse the process to get the original data. They are used for data integrity verification, password storage, digital signatures, and checksums.

MD5 produces a 128-bit (32 character) hash and is fast but cryptographically broken. SHA-1 produces a 160-bit (40 character) hash and is deprecated for security but still used for git commits. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit (64 character) hash and is recommended for most security applications as it provides strong collision resistance.

No, MD5 is not secure for cryptographic purposes. Collision attacks have been demonstrated since 2004, meaning different inputs can produce the same hash. MD5 should only be used for non-security purposes like checksums for file integrity (where an attacker isn't trying to create collisions) or legacy system compatibility. For security applications, use SHA-256 or SHA-512.

No, hash functions are designed to be one-way functions. You cannot mathematically reverse a hash to get the original input. However, short or common passwords can be found using rainbow tables or brute force attacks, which is why proper password hashing uses salting and specialized algorithms like bcrypt or Argon2.

Yes, this tool is completely free with no limits or signup required. It's also secure because all hashing is performed entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your computer and is never sent to any server. The tool uses the Web Crypto API for SHA algorithms and a JavaScript implementation for MD5.