Exploring Zero-Knowledge Friendly Hash Functions
Hash functions are crucial tools in the world of blockchain and cryptography, helping to keep data secure and intact. Recently, as zero-knowledge proofs have become more popular, there's been a need for hash functions that fit these complex systems better. This article will look at how traditional hash functions work, their role in blockchain technology, and why they're so important for security. We'll also explore why these traditional functions aren't always the best fit for zero-knowledge proofs and introduce some new hash functions—RESCUE, Poseidon, and Poseidon2—that are designed to work well in these scenarios. What is a Hash Function? A hash function is a mathematical algorithm that converts input data of any size into a fixed-size string of bytes, typically a hash, which appears random. Hash functions are fundamental in various applications, including data integrity verification, password storage, and digital signatures. They are crucial for ensuring that d...