Checksums explained

Understand file hashes before comparing

Short guides separate byte equality, algorithm choice and source trust.

Basics6 min read

What a file checksum proves — and what it does not

A checksum detects byte equality with one expected digest; it does not authenticate the source or inspect file behavior.

Algorithms6 min read

Identify each SHA-2 digest by its algorithm label and exact hexadecimal length.

Trust boundary6 min read

An attacker who replaces a file may also replace an unauthenticated checksum shown beside it.