📚 About MD5 Hashing
Complete guide to MD5 hashing, use cases, and security considerations
What is MD5?
MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5) is a cryptographic hash function that produces a 128-bit (16-byte) hash value. It converts any input into a fixed 32-character hexadecimal string.
Common uses:
- File integrity verification
- Checksums for downloads
- Database lookups
- Cache keys
Security Warning
⚠️ MD5 is cryptographically broken!
DO NOT use MD5 for:
- Password hashing
- Cryptographic security
- Digital signatures
Use alternatives: SHA-256, SHA-3, bcrypt, or Argon2
Tool Features
- Generate MD5 hashes instantly
- Support for text input
- File upload support
- Copy to clipboard
- Consistent output format
Use Cases
- File Verification: Check if files are unchanged
- Cache Keys: Use as unique identifiers
- Download Checksums: Verify file integrity
- Database Lookups: Index optimization
How to Use
Text Input:
- Paste or type your text
- Click "Generate MD5"
- Copy the hash result
File Upload:
- Upload a file
- Hash is generated automatically
- Copy for verification
MD5 Properties
- Hash size: 128 bits (16 bytes)
- Output format: 32 hex characters
- Deterministic: Same input = same hash
- One-way function: Cannot reverse hash
- Case-insensitive output: Upper/lower case equal
Tips
- Verify downloads: Compare hashes
- Case doesn't matter: A1B2 = a1b2
- Fast comparison: Compare hashes instead of files
- NOT for passwords: Use bcrypt or Argon2
Related Tools
- Base64 Encoder - Data encoding
- JSON Formatter - Format JSON
- URL Encoder - Encode URLs
History
- Released: 1992
- Vulnerabilities found: 2004
- Status: Deprecated for crypto use
- Still useful for: Non-security purposes