sha256sum

Additional Notes

sha256sum is a security command used to compute or verify SHA-256 checksums. It computes or verifies SHA-256 checksums to ensure file integrity and authenticity.

Use -c to check files against a precomputed checksum file. SHA-256 is the preferred hash for integrity verification in most modern workflows.

Syntax

sha256sum [options] [arguments]

Parameters

• options: Flags that change how sha256sum behaves.
• target: File, user, service, policy, or security object to inspect or modify.
• value: Security setting, context, key, hash, or policy value.

Common Options

• -c: Check hashes from a checksum file.
• --quiet: Only print failures when checking.
• --status: Use only the exit status when checking.

Examples

sha256sum download.iso
sha256sum *.tar.gz > SHA256SUMS
sha256sum -c SHA256SUMS

Practical Notes

Use checksums to verify downloaded files or detect accidental file changes.