Why is hashing important?

What is hashing and why is it important?

Hashing is a process that transforms data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hash code. It's important for data integrity and security.

How does hashing help in securing passwords?

Hashing secures passwords by converting them into a hash value, making it difficult for attackers to retrieve the original password even if they access the hash.

Are there different hashing algorithms? Which one is the best?

Yes, there are several hashing algorithms like SHA-256, MD5, and bcrypt. The best one depends on your specific needs, but bcrypt is often recommended for password hashing due to its adaptive nature.

What happens if two different inputs produce the same hash?

This is known as a hash collision. While it's rare, it can compromise security, which is why strong hashing algorithms are designed to minimize this risk.