Cryptographic hash functions
A cryptographic hash maps arbitrary data to a fixed-size digest and is designed to resist collisions and reversal.
Why it matters
Bitcoin uses hashing throughout mining, block construction, addresses, commitments, and transaction identifiers.
Key ideas
- A cryptographic hash maps arbitrary data to a fixed-size digest and is designed to resist collisions and reversal.
- This topic belongs to California Bitcoin’s cryptography knowledge layer.
- Use primary and technical sources where possible, and distinguish protocol facts from market narratives.
Primary and technical sources
Satoshi Nakamoto InstituteSatoshi Nakamoto InstituteBitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash SystemSatoshi Nakamoto