What is Adler-32?
Adler-32 is a fast checksum algorithm that outputs a 32-bit value, usually shown as 8 hexadecimal characters. It is designed for accidental error detection, not cryptographic security.
Key points:
- Fast and deterministic: The same input always returns the same output
- Integrity check: Useful for detecting corruption during transfer or storage
- Not cryptographic: Do not use it for passwords, signatures, or tamper protection
Common uses:
- File transfer checks
- Archive and package verification
- Lightweight integrity checks