Hash Generator Guide: What MD5, SHA-1 and SHA-256 Do
A cryptographic hash function maps input data to a fixed-length digest. A small input change should produce a different digest, while the function is designed to be impractical to reverse. Hashing is not encryption: a hash has no decryption key that restores the original text.
MD5, SHA-1 and SHA-256
MD5 and SHA-1 are older algorithms with known collision weaknesses; they should not be chosen when collision resistance matters. SHA-256 is part of the SHA-2 family and remains widely used for integrity checks, but choosing an algorithm alone does not make an application secure. The right design depends on the threat model and protocol.
Hashes are not password storage
Fast general-purpose hashes are unsuitable for storing passwords. Password storage should use a dedicated, deliberately slow password-hashing scheme such as Argon2id, scrypt, bcrypt or PBKDF2, configured with a unique salt and appropriate parameters. Never store a plain password or rely on a plain SHA-256 digest as a substitute.
Use the Securnix hash generator for examples
The browser-based Securnix hash generator is intended for learning and non-sensitive sample text. Its MD5 and SHA-1 options are included for comparison, not as a recommendation for new security systems. Avoid entering confidential data into any tool unless you understand how it handles inputs.
For adjacent topics, learn about password security, RSA encryption, or the basics of cryptography.