What is the output size of the MD5 hashing algorithm?

The output size of the MD5 hashing algorithm is 128 bits. This means that no matter the size of the input data, the resulting hash produced by the MD5 algorithm will always be a fixed size of 128 bits, which is typically represented as a 32-character hexadecimal number. This consistent output size is a hallmark of cryptographic hashing functions, allowing for predictable response sizes regardless of the input.

MD5 is widely used for various applications, including checksums and data integrity verification, but it is important to note that due to vulnerabilities discovered over the years, it is no longer considered secure for cryptographic purposes. Although the algorithm outputs a compact hash, its collision resistance is inadequate for modern security needs.

Other output sizes mentioned in the choices refer to different hashing algorithms. For example, SHA-1 produces a 160-bit hash, SHA-256 has a 256-bit output, and SHA-512 provides a 512-bit hash. These algorithms are often preferred in scenarios where stronger security measures are required.