Files use algorithms such as MD5, SHA1, SHA224, SHA256, SHA384, and SHA512 to generate hash values. By comparing these values, you can determine whether a file has been modified, which is very meaningful. For example, if you download a software from the internet, but it contains malicious code, comparing its hash value with the one published on the official website will reveal that it is not the original version.
The process of generating a hash value via a hash function is one-way and irreversible; different inputs always produce different hash values. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to modify a file and generate the same hash value.
As mentioned above, you need to compare the generated hash value to determine whether a file has been modified. But how do you generate a hash value for a file? Below is an introduction to how to use the file hash calculator tool.