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Hashing is the process of transforming any given key or a string of characters into another value. This is usually represented by a shorter, fixed-length value or key that represents and makes it easier to find or employ the original string.

The most popular use for Hashing is the implementation of Hash Tables. A Hash Table stores key and value pairs in a list that is accessible through its index. Because key and value pairs are unlimited, the Hash Function will map the keys to the table size. A hash value then becomes the index for a specific element.

A Hash Function generates new values according to a mathematical Hashing algorithm, known as a hash value or simply a hash. To prevent the conversion of the hash back into the original key, a good hash always uses a one-way Hashing algorithm.

Hashing is relevant to – but not limited to – data indexing and retrieval, Digital Certificate, Digital Signature, Cybersecurity and Cryptography.

Source: https://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/hashing