Choosing the Best Password Hashing Algorithm for PHP

Introduction In today's digital landscape, security is paramount. The choice of a password hashing algorithm is a critical decision when it comes to safeguarding user data. As one of the most widely used programming languages for web applications, PHP offers several password hashing algorithms to protect passwords effectively. In this article, we will explore and explain in detail some of PHP's most commonly used password hashing algorithms, helping you make an informed decision on the best one for your application. 1. MD5 (Message Digest 5) Strength: Weak MD5 was once a popular choice for hashing passwords due to its simplicity and speed. However, it is now considered obsolete and insecure for password storage. MD5 generates a fixed 32-character hexadecimal hash for any input. One of the main issues with MD5 is its vulnerability to collision attacks, where two different inputs produce the same hash. Notice : Do not use MD5 for password hashing, especially in securi...