MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5)

MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5) is a widely used cryptographic hash function that converts input data (like a document or a message) into a fixed-length string of characters, typically 32 hexadecimal digits. It acts like a digital fingerprint: even a tiny change in the original data results in a completely different hash. MD5 is used for verifying data integrity and ensuring that files haven't been altered. However, because vulnerabilities have been found, it's no longer considered secure for cryptographic purposes but remains useful for checksums and basic data verification tasks.