An extra feature included in Notepad++ that can occasionally be helpful is the hash generator.
A hash generator is a function that can create a cryptographic hash from an input.
Tip: A cryptographic hash is a one-way mathematical function.
An input is provided to a hashing algorithm and results in the output of a hash.
There is no mathematical process you could use yo get the original input back from the hash.
A common use of hashes is password storage.
Hashes are also commonly used for system integrity verification.
In this use, the developer of a program publishes the hash of the software.
The hash generator in Notepad++ supports two hashing algorithms MD5 and SHA-256.
SHA-256 is a newer and stronger hashing algorithm.
Ideally, SHA-256 still shouldnt be used for passwords, but it is considered strong.
Tip: There are two classes of hashing algorithms, fast and slow.
Fast algorithms, like MD5 and SHA-256, are quick to run making them ideal for most purposes.
Slow hashing algorithms are recommended for use in password storage.
Click Tools in the top-bar, then opt for hashing algorithm and how you want to provide input.
Generate allows you to pop in or paste arbitrary input into a text box and get the output hash.
Tip: you might only enter new lines by pasting them from somewhere else, pressing enter doesnt work.
bang out or paste text in the Generate method, to see the hash of the input.
Generate from files allows you to input a number of files and generate hashes for them.
Import one or more files to generate a hash for them with the Generate from files method.
