hashing

(computer science) A method for converting representations of values within fields, usually keys, to a more compact form. An addressing technique that uses keys to store and retrieve data in a file.

Creating hash totals or hash tables. See hash total and hash table.

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Technique used to find an accounting record within a computer file. The key field of the record is the input. A mathematical process leads to the approximate location of the desired accounting data within the file.