What does hashing mean?
Hashing most often refers to the process of converting an input, such as a file, password, or message, into a compact value called a hash. A good hash function is designed to make comparisons fast and, in cryptographic applications, to make it impractical to recover the original input or find two different inputs with the same result. Hashing is not the same as encryption: it does not inherently hide data, although it is widely used for checksums, digital signatures, and password storage. The word also has a culinary sense, meaning chopping food into small pieces and mixing it. Informal usage extends this to “hashing out” a disagreement, plan, or difficult issue through discussion. Thus, hashing connects the idea of breaking a whole into manageable pieces with the modern practice of reducing complex information to a standardized digital fingerprint. It is especially useful when precision matters, because the result can quickly reveal whether two inputs have been treated as equivalent.
The process of applying a hash function to data to produce a compact value for comparison, lookup, or integrity checking; also, the chopping of food or the informal activity of resolving something through discussion.
"Password hashing makes it harder for an attacker to recover the original password."
Usually uncountable in computing. The culinary and figurative uses are often informal, particularly in the expression “hashing out” an issue.
To convert data into a hash; to chop food into small pieces; or, informally, to work something out through discussion.
"The application hashes each uploaded file before storing its verification value."
The present-participle form can function as a gerund, as in “hashing the data,” or as a participle in a progressive construction.
The plural is rare; “hashing” is ordinarily used as an uncountable noun for a process or method.
"The two hashings produced identical verification values."
A digital fingerprint: hashing turns bulky data into a compact code designed for fast comparison.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hashing come from?
English “hashing” was formed by adding the suffix -ing to “hash.” In food contexts, hash refers to a chopped mixture, while the computing sense developed from the broader idea of breaking a whole into smaller, processable pieces and became specifically associated with hash functions. The separate drug-related noun “hash” comes through French “hasch” from Arabic “hashish,” ultimately from Sanskrit, which also explains the related forms “hashish” and “hasheesh.”
Related word forms
How hashing is actually used
In computing, “hashing” is normally uncountable and names a process rather than an individual calculation. The culinary sense is standard but less frequent in formal writing, while “hashing out” is informal and especially common in discussion of plans, differences of opinion, and complicated issues.
Easily confused with hashing
Hashing means processing data or chopping food, whereas hatching refers to eggs developing or to decorative crosshatched lines.