---
title: Hash
slug: Glossary/hash
tags:
  - CodingScripting
  - Cryptography
  - Glossary
  - Hash
---
The hash function takes a variable-length message input and produces a fixed-length hash output. It is commonly in the form of a 128-bit "fingerprint" or "message digest". Hashes are very useful for {{glossary("cryptography")}} — they insure the integrity of transmitted data, and provide the basis for {{glossary("HMAC")}}, which enables message authentication.

## See also

- {{Interwiki("wikipedia", "Hash function")}} on Wikipedia
