Message Authentication Code vs Hash Functions

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

Message Authentication Code

Nice Pick

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

Pros

• g
• Related to: cryptography, hmac

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Hash Functions

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

The Verdict

Use Message Authentication Code if: You want g and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

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

The Bottom Line

Message Authentication Code wins

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