If you have ever downloaded a file then I am sure that you have heard of MD5. MD5 is a hash key that is generated by a based on a specific file. When the file is created such as an archive you can use an MD5 hashing program to generate the MD5 key so that when others download that file they can verify that it is the correct and complete file that they wanted. Just as with a regular computer when you are downloading on your Android device you also want to be able to check and create MD5 hashes for verification.
A great little program created by the developers at DroidCore.net allows you to do just that. Called ManD5 this application that is available in the Android Market Place comes in two flavors. There is a free version that allows you to check the hash on a downloaded file only and a full version for $0.99 that will let you both check and create MD5 hashes for your files.
When you start the ManD5 application you are brought to the main screen which is the tab to create a hash from a file. To use you just click the “Select a file” button and you are presented with a file tree. Navigate to the file you want to create a hash of and select it. The application will verify that this is the correct file you want to open and you click OK. Instantly a MD5 hash is created for you to write down or you can press the “Copy” button to copy it to the clip board and past it into an email or to where you host the file.
To verify a hash on a file you downloaded you have to first tap on the “Verify” tab. This will switch to the verification section where you can type or paste a hash into the text box. Next you select the file using the file tree as before that you want to verify. Once selected press the “Verify” button and the application will let you know if the hashes match up or not.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This little application could not be easier to use. It saves time by not having to copy the file to a computer, generating or verifying the hash, and then having to copy it back to the device. When on the go mobility is the most important and this just pushed it up a notch. If you are a developer or an avid downloader like me I highly recommend getting the full version to simplify your time. For under a dollar ManD5 really does what it is designed for and does it well. Overall I gave this app a total rating of 8.4 based on the following breakdown:
- Ease of Use: 10/10
- Intuitiveness: 7/10
- Menu Controls: 9/10
- App Appearance: 6/10
- Pricing: 10/10
- Total: 8.4/10
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