Hash
Unique digital fingerprint generated from data via a hash function.
Beginner-friendly explanation
A hash is the result produced by a hash function. It’s a long string of letters and numbers unique to each input information.
📌 Example: Your password is often stored as a hash, not in clear text.
Intermediate-level insight
The hash is used to verify data integrity without revealing its content. It is used in signing transactions, creating blocks, and securely storing sensitive information.
📌 Example: In Bitcoin, the previous block's hash is included in the new block to ensure chain continuity.
Advanced perspective
A hash is a mathematically derived value from input through an irreversible function. In blockchain systems, the hash of a set of transactions (Merkle root) is stored in the block header, ensuring integrity and enabling SPV (Simplified Payment Verification).
📌 Example: Bitcoin’s SPV protocol uses only block hashes to verify transactions without downloading the entire blockchain.
Blockchain & Technology
hash, digital fingerprint, signature, transaction, security, integrity, blockchain, Merkle root