Hash Functions vs Message Authentication Codes

Developers should learn hash functions for implementing data integrity checks (e meets developers should learn and use macs when building secure systems that require data integrity and authentication, such as in network protocols (e. Here's our take.

Hash Functions

Nice Pick

Developers should learn hash functions for implementing data integrity checks (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: cryptography, data-structures

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Message Authentication Codes

Developers should learn and use MACs when building secure systems that require data integrity and authentication, such as in network protocols (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: cryptography, hash-functions

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Hash Functions if: You want g and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Message Authentication Codes if: You prioritize g over what Hash Functions offers.

The Bottom Line

Hash Functions wins

Developers should learn hash functions for implementing data integrity checks (e