How hashing works?

Hashing is a process that transforms input data of any size into a fixed-size string of characters, typically represented in hexadecimal format. It uses a mathematical algorithm, known as a hash function, to produce a unique hash value for each unique input, making it useful for data integrity and security. Even a small change in the input will result in a significantly different hash, ensuring that any alteration can be easily detected. Common hashing algorithms include SHA-256 and MD5, often used in applications like passWord storage and data verification.