Resources
Curated reading on hash functions: the spec authors' own docs, OWASP guidance, and the long-form pieces on guptadeepak.com that back up each algorithm page in this lab.
External references
- article·beginner·guptadeepak.comUnderstanding Cryptographic Hash Functions
A comprehensive introduction to hash functions and their properties.
- article·advanced·WikipediaThe Mathematics Behind Hash Functions
Explore the mathematical foundations of modern hash algorithms.
- article·intermediate·guptadeepak.comHash Functions in Blockchain Technology
How hash functions enable the security and immutability of blockchain systems.
- article·intermediate·guptadeepak.comSecure Password Storage: Best Practices
Learn how to properly store passwords using modern hashing techniques.
- article·advanced·guptadeepak.comHash Function Vulnerabilities and Attacks
Understanding common attacks against hash functions and how to mitigate them.
- article·intermediate·guptadeepak.comThe Evolution of Hashing Algorithms: From MD5 to Modern Day
A historical overview of hash function development and cryptanalysis.
- spec·advanced·IETF·2011RFC 6234: US Secure Hash Algorithms (SHA & SHA-based HMAC)
The IETF spec for SHA-1 / SHA-2 / HMAC. Authoritative reference.
- spec·advanced·NIST·2015FIPS 202: SHA-3 Standard
NIST's published standard for SHA-3 (Keccak-derived hash functions and SHAKE XOFs).
- spec·advanced·IETF·2021RFC 9106: Argon2 Memory-Hard Function for Password Hashing
Spec for Argon2 in all three variants (i, d, id). The starting point for password-hashing parameter tuning.
- article·intermediate·OWASPOWASP Password Storage Cheat Sheet
The most-cited industry reference for picking and tuning password-hash parameters. Updated regularly.
- book·intermediate·Wiley·2010Cryptography Engineering (Ferguson, Schneier, Kohno)
The practical-cryptography textbook. Hash chapter is the best introduction available in long form.
Long-form on guptadeepak.com
Every deep-dive that backs up an algorithm page in this lab, collected in one place.
- All about Hashing Algorithms
The umbrella reference page for everything hashing on guptadeepak.com.
- What is Hashing? A Complete Guide for Developers and Security Professionals
Long-form 101. Start here if hashing is new to you.
- Understanding Hashing Algorithms: A Beginner's Guide
Companion 101 with worked examples.
- The Complete Guide to Password Hashing: Argon2 vs Bcrypt vs Scrypt vs PBKDF2 (2026)
The deep-dive on which password-hashing function to pick and how to tune it.
- bcrypt, scrypt, and Argon2: Choosing the Right Password Hashing Algorithm
The 'three-knob' explanation of why memory-hard hashing matters.
- Comparative Analysis of Password Hashing Algorithms
Side-by-side benchmark of the four mainstream password-hash KDFs.
- The Science of Password Protection
Hashing + salting + the modern passwordless story in one piece.
- Secure Password Storage: Best Practices with Modern Hashing Algorithms
Practical implementation guide for storing hashes safely.
- What is a Password Hashing Algorithm?
The 101 explainer, perfect for non-engineering stakeholders.
- The Evolution of Hashing Algorithms: From MD5 to Modern Day
Why we moved from MD5 → SHA-1 → SHA-2 → SHA-3 / BLAKE.
- Choosing the Right Hash Algorithm: A Decision Framework
Decision tree for picking the right hash for your use case.
- Blockchain Fundamentals: Hash Functions in Distributed Ledgers
Why Bitcoin uses SHA-256 + RIPEMD-160, and what Merkle trees do.
- The Future of Hashing: Quantum Resistance and Beyond
What happens to SHA-256 when a quantum attacker arrives, and what comes next.
- Data Integrity Verification: Implementing Checksums and Hash Verification
The right way to verify a file's hash matches its publisher's claim.