Hash function

From Site5Wiki

Hash function:
An algorithm that turns a variable-sized amount of text into a fixed-sized output (hash value). Hash functions are used in creating digital signatures, hash tables and short condensations of text for analysis purposes...Hash functions are also known as "cryptographic hash functions."

— Answers.com

• MD5
• SHA-1

In website development and management, hash functions are used for data protection and error detection.

Two common Site5 customers' encounters with hash functions are installation-related:

• installation of their ClientExec license; and
• installation of their personal SSL certificate.