5 Hashing Algorithms Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

This publication by the National Institute of Standards and Technology offers a focused exploration of the SHA-3 family of hash functions, based on the KECCAK algorithm that won the official competition for cryptographic hashing standards. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the mathematical permutations underlying SHA-3, including the KECCAK-p family, which supports broader cryptographic applications. The book’s precise technical detail is tailored for software developers, cryptographers, and security professionals aiming to implement or analyze this standard. While concise at just 44 pages, it delivers a reliable reference for those needing up-to-date, authoritative coverage of SHA-3’s structure and function specifications.

Dr. Arno Mittelbach and Marc Fischlin bring their deep cryptographic expertise to a volume that places hash functions front and center, rather than sidelining them as mere tools. You’ll find a rigorous walkthrough starting with foundational concepts like computability and probability, evolving to detailed explorations of one-way functions, pseudorandomness, and collision resistance. Particularly useful are their chapters on the random oracle model, demystifying its applications and controversies, and the thorough treatment of hash function constructions, including HMAC security proofs. If you’re delving into modern cryptography with an emphasis on hashing, this book offers the theoretical depth and practical frameworks to sharpen your understanding.

This tailored book explores the intricate world of hashing algorithms, providing a personalized pathway that matches your experience and goals. It covers foundational concepts such as hash functions and collision resistance, while also examining advanced topics like cryptographic applications and efficient software implementations. By focusing on your specific interests, it bridges the gap between expert knowledge and your unique learning journey, revealing the nuances of both theoretical principles and practical challenges. With a tailored approach, this book ensures you delve into the aspects of hashing most relevant to your background, helping you build mastery with clarity and confidence. It’s designed to guide you through complex material in a way that makes sense for your development as a programmer, security analyst, or researcher.

Dr. Jean-Philippe Aumasson, a principal cryptographer at Kudelski Security, brings his deep expertise to a detailed exploration of the BLAKE hash function and its successor BLAKE2. This book walks you through the design principles behind these algorithms, their security properties, and practical implementation techniques spanning from portable C code to hardware design considerations. You'll gain insights into cryptographic hashing fundamentals, the SHA3 competition context, and advanced topics such as collision resistance and performance optimization. It's tailored for software engineers, security specialists, and applied cryptography researchers seeking a hands-on guide to deploying and understanding BLAKE's role in modern cryptography.

When Thomas Mailund wrote this book, he drew from his deep expertise in math, computer science, and practical programming to offer a focused exploration of hash table implementations in C. You’ll learn how to build efficient hash tables from scratch, starting with basic structures and moving through collision resolution methods, resizing strategies, and key-value storage techniques. The hands-on examples and source code on GitHub make it clear how design decisions affect performance, especially through chapters dedicated to collision handling and table resizing. This book suits programmers with some C experience eager to deepen their understanding of hashing mechanics beyond theory and into practical coding.

The research was clear: traditional explanations of hashing lacked a historical and mathematical depth until Alan G. Konheim, a key contributor to the Data Encryption Standard, laid out this detailed account. You’ll explore not only the evolution of hashing technology but also its intricate mathematical foundations, reinforced by real course materials and problem sets. The chapters walk you through applications critical to security and cryptography, making it a strong fit if you’re a graduate student or researcher aiming to grasp both theory and practical complexities. While dense, it’s a solid resource for those serious about the mathematical and societal impact of hashing.

This tailored book explores the essentials of hash function design and optimization, focusing on delivering rapid, actionable guidance for building effective hash codes. It covers core principles such as hash structure, collision handling, and performance tuning, while delving into specific techniques matched to your background and objectives. By synthesizing expert knowledge with your unique interests, it reveals how to approach hashing challenges with clarity and confidence. The personalized format ensures the content directly addresses your goals, helping you navigate complex concepts efficiently and implement robust hashing solutions.