GlossaryAdvanced
SHA-256
A specific hash function that produces a fixed 256-bit fingerprint of input data, used by Bitcoin.
SHA-256 is a specific cryptographic hash function that takes any input data and produces a fixed-size, 256-bit output, used by Bitcoin both for its proof-of-work mining process and for linking blocks together.
Like other hash functions, even a tiny change to the input data produces a completely different SHA-256 output, which is central to how tampering becomes detectable.
Examples
- Bitcoin miners repeatedly compute SHA-256 hashes as part of the proof-of-work mining process.
- A single-character change to input data produces a completely different SHA-256 output.