Session and utilities
The sha512sum command
Computes the SHA-512 hash (512 bits) of a file. The longest of the SHA-2 family.
Syntax
sha512sum [archivo...]Most useful options
-cChecks the checksums listed in a fileCopy-ready examples
$ sha512sum /etc/passwdSHA-512 hashYou can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.
Typical mistakes
- The output is 128 hex characters; copy it whole.
FAQ
Is SHA-512 always better than SHA-256?
It is longer, but for most cases SHA-256 is already enough.
Learn to actually use it
The basic Linux course takes you from zero to console fluency with 24 self-grading lessons.
Start the free course