checksum
Pronunciation: [ˈtʃɛkˌsʌm]
Word
Context: “computing”
(noun) a special number that helps check if data is correct. Think of it like a sticker on a box that says everything inside is okay. If you open the box and the sticker is still there, it means nothing is broken or missing.
Example
The software produced a checksum to verify that the file wasn't damaged during download.
Example
Without a checksum, we couldn't be sure if the data was safe; it could be all mixed up.
Example
How does the program use a checksum to check the file's accuracy?
Context: “data integrity”
(noun) a number created from a group of data to help see if it has changed. Imagine making a recipe and writing down your ingredients. If you make a checksum from that list, you can tell if anything was added or taken away later.
Example
We calculated the checksum for the database to make sure all the information was still correct.
Example
The absence of a checksum led to data errors, and some files were lost.
Example
Can you explain what happens if the checksum doesn't match the original data?
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