What type of data is typically used in hashing?

Hashing typically deals with binary data because it involves the transformation of input data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is a hash value. In the context of hashing algorithms, the input can be of varying types—like text, numerical, or unstructured—but it is ultimately converted into binary format for processing. This binary representation is what allows hashing functions to effectively execute and produce consistent hash codes.

While text data can be used as input, it must first be encoded into binary form. Similarly, numerical data and unstructured data will be transformed into binary when passed through a hashing function. Hence, binary data is the form in which all these different types are ultimately processed and stored, making it the most accurate description of the data utilized in hashing.