What is a hash used for?
A hash maps any input to a fixed-length fingerprint. It is used for file integrity checks (checksums), cache keys, deduplication and detecting whether data has changed.
Should I hash passwords with MD5 or SHA-256?
Neither alone. Plain MD5 and SHA are too fast and are unsuitable for passwords. Use a slow, salted algorithm like bcrypt or Argon2 instead — see our htpasswd generator for bcrypt.
Is MD5 still safe?
MD5 is broken for security (collisions can be forged) and should not be used where integrity against an attacker matters. It is fine for non-security checksums and legacy compatibility.
Are these hashes computed on a server?
No. SHA hashes use the browser's built-in Web Crypto API and MD5 runs in local JavaScript. Your input never leaves the page.
