What is the output of the MD5 algorithm?

The MD5 algorithm produces a 128-bit fingerprint, which is sometimes referred to as a hash or message digest. This output serves as a unique representation of input data, allowing for the detection of changes or duplication. The concise size of this fingerprint makes it convenient for tasks such as data integrity verification and fingerprinting large datasets.

The choice of a 128-bit output means that MD5 is capable of generating a significant number of unique hash values, though it is worth noting that MD5 has vulnerabilities and is not recommended for cryptographic security in modern applications. Using 128 bits results in a more manageable output size for comparisons while still providing a satisfactory level of uniqueness for many non-protective use cases.

In contrast, other outputs mentioned like a 256-bit hash or a 64-bit message digest refer to different hashing algorithms, such as SHA-256 or simpler hash functions respectively. A plain text message is not an output of the MD5 algorithm but rather the input that gets transformed into the MD5 fingerprint.