A primary requirement for a good cryptographic hash function is that the function should not produce too many collisions. A collision in a hash function is when: (There are few outputs, but a lot of inputs ; there are few inputs, but a lot of outputs; 2 inputs map to the same output; 2 outputs come from the same input)

1 answer

A collision in a hash function is when 2 inputs map to the same output. This means that two different pieces of data (inputs) result in the same hashed value (output), which can compromise the integrity and security of the hash function. A good cryptographic hash function is designed to minimize the likelihood of such collisions occurring.