What are hash functions in C#?

What are hash functions in C#?

Hash functions in C# are algorithms that transform input data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hash code.

Can you give me an example of a hash function in C#?

Sure! Here's a simple example using SHA256:

using System.Security.Cryptography;
using System.Text;

public class HashExample
{
    public static string ComputeHash(string input)
    {
        using (SHA256 sha256 = SHA256.Create())
        {
            byte[] bytes = sha256.ComputeHash(Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes(input));
            StringBuilder builder = new StringBuilder();
            foreach (byte b in bytes)
            {
                builder.Append(b.ToString("x2"));
            }
            return builder.ToString();
        }
    }
}

What are the common use cases for hash functions?

Common use cases include data integrity verification, password storage, and creating unique identifiers for data.

Are there any performance considerations when using hash functions?

Yes, performance can vary based on the algorithm used and the size of the input data. It's important to choose the right hash function for your needs.