Overview
b2sum generates a unique digital fingerprint, known as a checksum, for a file using the BLAKE2 algorithm. This checksum allows for a quick verification of whether the file's content has been altered. It is particularly useful for verifying the integrity of large files.
Key Features
- High-performance hash calculation using the BLAKE2 algorithm
- Verification of file integrity and detection of data corruption
- Functionality to create checksum files and perform batch verification
- Adjustable digest length
Key Options
The primary options for the b2sum command control the checksum calculation method, output format, and verification behavior.
Basic Operations and Modes
Output and Error Handling
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Description:
`b2sum` Executes the command.
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Usage Examples
Learn how to calculate and verify file checksums through various usage examples of the b2sum command.
Calculate BLAKE2 Checksum for a Single File
b2sum myfile.txtCalculates and outputs the BLAKE2 checksum for a specified file.
Calculate Checksums for Multiple Files
b2sum file1.txt file2.zipCalculates and outputs checksums for multiple files at once.
Save Checksums to a File
b2sum important_data.tar.gz > important_data.tar.gz.b2sumSaves the calculated checksums and filenames to a separate file. This file can be used later for integrity verification.
Verify Integrity Using a Checksum File
b2sum -c important_data.tar.gz.b2sumVerifies the integrity of the original files using a previously saved checksum file. If all files match, an 'OK' message will be displayed.
Calculate Checksum from Standard Input
echo "Hello BLAKE2" | b2sumCalculates the checksum for data piped from standard input.
Calculate Checksum with a Specific Length (256 bits)
b2sum -l 256 large_file.isoCalculates the BLAKE2 digest with a specified length of 256 bits.
Tips & Notes
Tips and points to consider for effective use of b2sum.
Performance and Security
- BLAKE2 offers stronger security than MD5 or SHA-1, with security comparable to SHA-256, while providing faster hash calculation speeds.
- It is particularly useful for verifying the integrity of large files after download, allowing for quick detection of file corruption.
Checksum File Management
- It is recommended to store checksum files (e.g., with a `.b2sum` extension) alongside the original files for easy verification later.
- The content of the checksum file must match the format generated by the `b2sum` command for the `-c` option to work correctly.