The Built-in hash() Function

The hash(value) function converts a value into a hash using the SHA-256 algorithm. Here are a few important points to consider:

• hash('apple') always returns the same value (-221991818146589341).
• hash('orange') produces a different value (5924099153030771977).
• The hash for distinct values will almost certainly be different.
• Even minor changes, like in hash('apple') vs. hash('apples'), will yield widely different hashes.

This means we can read the contents of our target file, test.txt, and generate its hash. If any modifications are made to test.txt, the hash will change. By comparing hash values, we can easily determine if test.txt has been altered.

Writing the gethash(filename) Function

Here’s how to create the gethash(filename) function:

def gethash(filename):

with open(filename, 'rb') as f:

return hash(f.read())

The rb mode indicates that we are reading in binary, which is essential for files that may contain binary data. The hash generated from f.read() will be unique to the contents of test.txt, allowing us to track changes effectively.

Here’s the complete code to monitor file changes:

import time

filename = 'test.txt'

previous = gethash(filename)

while True:

current = gethash(filename)

if current != previous:

print(filename, 'has been changed!')

previous = current

time.sleep(1)

This script checks the file every second. If the hash value remains the same, the file hasn’t changed; if it differs, a modification has occurred, and a notification is printed.

Note: You can adjust the sleep interval to suit your needs.

I hope this explanation was clear and straightforward!

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