What is the purpose of file hashes?

File hashes serve the primary purpose of validating file integrity. When a file is created, its contents are processed through a hashing algorithm, which generates a unique string of characters known as a hash value or hash. This hash acts as a digital fingerprint for the specific file.

When there are concerns regarding the file's integrity—such as potential corruption or tampering—comparing the hash of the original file with the hash of the file in question allows one to confirm whether its contents have remained unchanged. If the hashes match, it indicates that the file has not been altered; if they do not match, it suggests that the file may have been modified or corrupted.

This functionality is crucial in various contexts, such as software distribution, where ensuring that users receive unaltered and authentic software is essential for security and trustworthiness. Additionally, file hashes are commonly used in forensic analysis and incident response scenarios to track changes to files and maintain data integrity.