Assets, Ethereum

Does Ethereum Use SHA-256?

Ethereum uses a hashing algorithm called Keccak-256, which is different from the more common SHA-256 algorithm. While both algorithms are used for cryptographic purposes, they have different properties that make them more or less suitable for different tasks.

SHA-256 is a so-called “sponge function,” meaning that it takes an input of any size and produces an output of fixed size. It is also “collision resistant,” meaning that it is very difficult to find two inputs that produce the same output.

These properties make SHA-256 well suited for cryptographic applications such as digital signatures, which need to be resistant to forgery.

NOTE: WARNING: Ethereum does not use SHA-256 as its hashing algorithm. Instead, Ethereum uses a different algorithm known as Ethash, which is designed to be ASIC-resistant and more secure than SHA-256. Therefore, please be aware that any information or claims about Ethereum using SHA-256 are incorrect.

Keccak-256, on the other hand, is not collision resistant. However, it has the advantage of being “permutation based,” meaning that it will produce a different output even if the input is only slightly modified.

This property makes Keccak-256 more suitable for applications such as hash functions, which need to be resistant to “second preimage attacks.”.

So, does Ethereum use SHA-256? No, Ethereum uses Keccak-256.

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