Example

Verify a Download with SHA-256

A file integrity example showing how to compare a local SHA-256 hash with a trusted checksum.

The situation

A user downloads a small archive and the publisher provides a SHA-256 checksum. Before opening the archive, the user wants to confirm that the downloaded file matches the published value.

Published checksum example

SHA-256: 3a6eb0790f39ac87c94f3856b2dd2c5d110e6811602261a9a923d3bb23adc8b7

Workflow

1. Download the file from the official source.
2. Open Hash Generator and select the downloaded file.
3. Choose SHA-256 and generate the digest locally.
4. Compare every character with the checksum from the trusted source.
5. Do not use the file if the hashes differ or the published checksum came from an untrusted place.

Matching result

Local SHA-256:
3a6eb0790f39ac87c94f3856b2dd2c5d110e6811602261a9a923d3bb23adc8b7

Published SHA-256:
3a6eb0790f39ac87c94f3856b2dd2c5d110e6811602261a9a923d3bb23adc8b7

Review checks

• A matching hash confirms file integrity against the published value.
• It does not prove the publisher itself is trustworthy.
• Use SHA-256 or stronger for modern integrity checks.

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