hash function
nounUK /hæʃ ˈfʌŋkʃən/
US /hæʃ ˈfʌŋkʃən/
A hash function is a special math rule that turns any piece of information into a short code.
The computer used a hash function to turn the password into a secret code.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A function that maps data of any size to a fixed-size value, used to store and find items quickly.
The hash function placed each key into a bucket in the table.
3. A cryptographic function that creates a unique fingerprint of a file to detect changes.
They compared the hash function output to check whether the download was corrupted.
4. In everyday speech, a rule or tool that chops information into small mixed-up pieces.
Think of a hash function as a blender that mixes words into a short code.