Hashing Algorithm

"Hashing algorithms are an important weapon in any cryptographers toolbox. They are everywhere on the internet, mostly used to secure passwords, but also make up an integral part of most crypto currencies such as Bitcoin and Litecoin.

The main features of a hashing algorithm are that they are a one way function – or in other words you can get the output from the input but you can’t get the input from the output – just like elliptic curve cryptography where you can’t get the private key from the public key. The other property is that the same input creates the same output.

Most hashing algorithms, including the SHA and RIPEMD are all descended from the MD4 family. The MD4 hashing algorithm was developed by Ronald Rivest specifically to allow very easy software implementation. The MD4 algorithm and subsequent SHA algorithms use 32 bit variables with bitwise Boolean functions such as the logical AND, OR and XOR operators to work through from the input to the output hash."

For more explanation check out https://www.cryptocompare.com/coins/guides/how-does-a-hashing-algorithm-work/