Quick reference for sha512sum, a tool to compute and verify SHA-512 checksums.
SHA-512 is a stronger variant in the SHA-2 family, useful when you want a very conservative hash.
Basic usage
sha512sum file.img– print SHA-512 hash and filename.sha512sum file1 file2– hash multiple files.echo -n "test" | sha512sum– hash data from stdin.
Common options
-b– read files in binary mode (default on Linux).-t– read files in text mode (mainly for non-Unix systems).-c– check SHA-512 sums from a file.
Creating and verifying checksum files
sha512sum file.img > file.img.sha512– save checksum.sha512sum file1 file2 > checksums.sha512– create checksum list.sha512sum -c file.img.sha512– verify a single file.sha512sum -c checksums.sha512– verify multiple files.
Tips
- Use SHA-512 when you want additional margin over SHA-256 (or when an ecosystem expects it).
- Checksums are only as trustworthy as the channel you got them from—publish them securely.
- For most cases, SHA-256 is enough; SHA-512 is the “belt and suspenders” option.