Root md5sum verification?

[mhlsilverdale]

I realize there are several other threads on this topic; however what exactly is being verified using the md5sum (nandroid.md5). I can see the value in details using Astro File Manager.

Does the developer provide this value as a way of checking if the file has been subsequently hacked?

Basically, other than seeing it has one, what's being verified?

Mark

 

[TrueJournals]

An MD5 sum verifies the contents of the file. Essentially, it is an algorithm which computes a "checksum" of the file contents. Ideally, no two files will have the same MD5 sum. That way, you can ensure that the file is downloaded and copied correctly. If the MD5 sum of the file is correct, you have a valid version of the file (it hasn't gotten corrupt for some reason).