Create SHA3-512 Hash of a File in Node.js

As someone who’s constantly exploring the world of programming, I’ve come across various techniques and methods to ensure data integrity and security. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a practical guide on creating a SHA3-512 hash of a file in Node.js. If you’re like me, always on the lookout for effective ways to manage and secure your data, then this blog post is just the ticket! Together, we’ll delve into the process and learn how you can implement this method in your own Node.js projects. So, strap in and get ready for an enlightening journey into the world of cryptographic hashes in Node.js!

Encryption and hashing have served as the foundation for new security modules, among other network security developments. One of the most used hash algorithms is the Secure Hash Algorithm(SHA) with a digest size of 512 bits, or SHA 512. Although there are numerous variations, SHA 512 has been the most often used in practical applications. There are weaker predecessors to SHA3 like MD5, SHA1, SHA2. Interested in knowing the difference between SHA1, SHA2 & SHA3, this will give you a great insight on how SHA has evolved over the years.

Introduction to SHA3-512 Hashing

SHA-3 (Secure Hash Algorithm 3) is the latest member of the Secure Hash Algorithm family of standards. Although part of the same series of standards, SHA-3 is internally different from the MD5-like structure of SHA-1 and SHA-2. SHA-3 instances are drop-in replacements for SHA-2, intended to have identical security properties. The SHA-3 family consists of six hash functions with digests (hash values) that are 128, 224, 256, 384 or 512 bits: SHA3-224, SHA3-256, SHA3-384, SHA3-512, SHAKE128, SHAKE256.

The SHA-3 or Keccak algorithm is one of the most secure and efficient hashing algorithms and some claim that it won’t be cracked in the next 20 – 30 years. Developments in the quantum computing world might decrease that time frame but it is still one of the best hashing algorithm we have got right now.

The hash function generates the same output hash for the same input string. This means that, you can use this string to validate files or text or anything when you pass it across the network or even otherwise. SHA3-512 can act as a stamp or for checking if the data is valid or not.

The 512 in the name SHA3-512 refers to the final hash digest value, meaning that regardless of the amount of plaintext or cleartext, the hash value will always be 512 bits.

For example –

If you want to generate SHA3-512 checksum in JavaScript i.e., client side (browser), please follow this article – Create SHA3-512 Hash in JavaScript

Node.js crypto module provides cryptographic functions to help you secure code and data in Node.js. It includes a set of wrappers for OpenSSL’s hash, HMAC, cipher, decipher, sign, and verify functions.

crypto is built into Node.js, so there is not configuration or custom implementation needed.

For creating SHA3-512 hash in nodejs script/code, we shall use the default crypto module that comes packaged with nodejs.

If you looking to create an SHA3-512 hash of a string, please follow the article where we discuss about this.

Creating SHA3-512 Hash of a File

Now let’s learn how to create an SHA3-512 hash of a file. File can be any file, a text file, a JSON file, data file etc.,

You can either require the crypto module-

const crypto = require("crypto");

or also use the modern import to import the crypto module-

import { createHash } from "crypto";

Here, let’s consider a text file for example – hello.txt having content – Welcome to Debugpointer. Let’s read the contents of the file using the fs module and read the file in a synchronous manner.

import { createHash } from "crypto";
const fs = require("fs");
const buff = fs.readFileSync("hello.txt");
const hash = createHash("sha3-512").update(buff).digest("hex");
console.log(hash);

The output of the above script will be an SHA3-512 hash when you run the command node index.js in your shell-

a244f26ddd042c8367d50b6ff377c52fa6d1dcb533acfdee42f6fc26ea46a25aec94dae95ab4f9d27168e7f4c317ee7a1666892e71bfd6a70fc5f4d80f872841

Prefer SHA-256 or SHA3-512 or other superior cryptographic hash functions for creating a hash for passwords, integrity verification.

It’s as simple as that! You do not need any fancy npm library for creating an SHA3-512 hash in Node.js.

I’m glad that you found the content useful. Well, there we have it! We’ve journeyed together through the process of creating a SHA3-512 hash of a file in Node.js, and I must say, it’s been an insightful ride. It’s my hope that you’ve grasped the essence of this procedure and you can now comfortably implement it in your projects. Remember, cryptographic hashes like SHA3-512 play a vital role in ensuring data integrity and security, making them an indispensable tool in your programming arsenal. As we part ways for now, I encourage you to continue exploring, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Node.js. And remember, the best way to learn is by doing. Happy Coding.