SHA-256

SHA stands for Secure Hashing Algorithm. A group of cryptographic hash functions primarily developed by the NSA. Advancements are indicated numerically with higher numbered groupings identifying their evolution in complexity and capability.

SHA-0

SHA-1

SHA-2

SHA-3

SHA-256 is a member of SHA-2. SHA-2 algorithms operate similarly with the main difference being block size. The other primary implementation in SHA-2 was SHA-512 which operates the same as SHA-256 except it transforms data into 512 bit strings instead of 256 bit ones.

SHA-256 is the hashing algorithm used by Bitcoin for the blockchain’s mining process.

Crypto Jungle

SHA-256

Further Reading SHA-256

Previous

Next