MD5 algorithm as basic as possible?

[Timmyfox]

So, I'm a bit curious as to how one were to manually calculate an MD5 hash but searching around the internet I found nothing but complex examples and implementations.

Would it be possible for someone to explain in detail the actual mathematics of how the hash is generated at the most basic level?

 

I'm not intending to use it for any coding project, but just for the sake of fun. At the very most I'd try and calculate the checksums of simple phrases and whatnot as a fun project in my free time.

 

A step-by-step of what an MD5 generator does would be greatly appreciated if it's not too complexly described.

If I were to use the example phrase "Pie" (without the quotes), the MD5 generator gave me the checksum "996589a1a7e9604b0dbd63858a59b247". How would one, step-by-step, calculate this manually with just pen and paper (or a notepad document)? Could it be compared to the steps of solving a mathematical equation?

[alpenwasser]

Have you checked Wikipedia's article on it?

I can't claim to understand every single last thing since I haven't looked at it in enough

detail, but all the info you'd need is in there, in, as you say, the most basic level. I

especially recommend the bit where the algorithm is implemented in pseudocode.

As for pen and paper, it's not impossible, but you're going to be busy for a long time

doing that. But yes, in essence it is simply an algorithm you could work through like any

other mathematical problem if you felt so inclined, the question is simply how long it

would take you.

EDIT:

I'm neither a mathematician nor a cryptographer, so I don't consider myself an authoritative

source on these matters. The above conclusions are primarily based on my experiences in

using hash algorithms in practice and what I've read about them in various places. Just as

a side note.

[Timmyfox]

Have you checked Wikipedia's article on it?

I can't claim to understand every single last thing since I haven't looked at it in enough

detail, but all the info you'd need is in there, in, as you say, the most basic level. I

especially recommend the bit where the algorithm is implemented in pseudocode.

As for pen and paper, it's not impossible, but you're going to be busy for a long time

doing that. But yes, in essence it is simply an algorithm you could work through like any

other mathematical problem if you felt so inclined, the question is simply how long it

would take you.

Wiki article was too complex for me really.

I know it'll take time, hence I'd call it a project to work on in my free time. But I'd like to have it explained in a way so I can understand so I know how to actually do it!

[WanderingFool]

Wiki article was too complex for me really.

I know it'll take time, hence I'd call it a project to work on in my free time. But I'd like to have it explained in a way so I can understand so I know how to actually do it!

 

I read through the wiki Algorithm section and pseudo code and I think I understand the MD5.  So is there anywhere in particular that you don't understand (for the pseudo code).  I can help with explaining parts of it (the Wiki pseudo code fairly easy to read, so I need help to know where you are getting stuck on...whether it is on the math, or some little bit of the specs)