The tool supports MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512.
Hashes are used to verify file integrity, store passwords securely, and create digital signatures. A hash is a one-way function and cannot be reversed.
Theoretically yes (called a collision), but for SHA-256 and SHA-512 the probability is astronomically small. MD5 and SHA-1 have known collision vulnerabilities.
Download the file and generate its hash using this tool. Compare it to the hash published by the file provider. If they match, the file is intact and unmodified.
MD5 produces a 128-bit hash and has known collision vulnerabilities. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit hash and is cryptographically secure. Use SHA-256 for security-sensitive applications.
Yes. If two files produce the same hash, they are identical. Even a single byte difference produces a completely different hash.
A rainbow table is a precomputed list of hashes and their corresponding inputs. Attackers use them to reverse common hashes. Salting passwords before hashing defeats rainbow table attacks.