SHA-256

A cryptographic hash function that generates a fixed 256-bit digest to secure Bitcoin blocks and digital certificates.

SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) is a member of the SHA-2 family designed by the NSA in 2001. It processes input data in 512-bit chunks to generate a unique 64-character hexadecimal signature. This algorithm is the backbone of the Bitcoin proof-of-work consensus mechanism: miners must find a hash lower than a specific target to secure the network. Beyond cryptocurrency, it validates file integrity and powers the TLS/SSL handshake for secure web browsing. It is collision-resistant and deterministic (the same input always produces the same output).

https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/FIPS/NIST.FIPS.180-4.pdf