A Checksum is a value calculated from a data set, such as a file or a message, used to verify the integrity of the data during transmission or storage. It acts as a fingerprint of the data, allowing you to detect errors or alterations. When data is sent or saved, a checksum is generated using a specific algorithm (e.g., MD5, SHA-1, CRC32) and transmitted or stored alongside the data. Upon retrieval or reception, the same algorithm is applied to the data, and the resulting checksum is compared to the original. If the checksums match, the data is considered intact; if they differ, it indicates that the data may have been corrupted or tampered with. Checksums are widely used in networking, file transfers, and data storage to ensure data reliability and security.
