What is MD5 Hashing and Why Use It?
Hashing Basics
MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5) converts any input into a fixed 128-bit hash. Hashing is one-way: you can generate a hash from data but cannot easily reverse it to get the original input.
Legacy Use
MD5 was once widely used for verifying file integrity and storing passwords. Due to discovered vulnerabilities, it is now considered cryptographically broken and should not be used for secure applications.
Developer Tips
- Use MD5 only for non-critical tasks like quick checksums.
- Prefer modern hashing algorithms such as SHA-256 for security.
- Store hashes instead of plain text when checking data integrity.
Caution
MD5 hashes can be reversed with rainbow tables or brute force attacks. Avoid using MD5 for passwords, sensitive data, or digital signatures.