What is the purpose of a checksum in electronic data interchange communications?

The purpose of a checksum in electronic data interchange communications is primarily related to integrity. A checksum is a value derived from the data being sent, calculated using a specific algorithm. It serves as a means to verify that the data has not been altered or corrupted during transmission.

When data is transmitted, the sender computes the checksum based on the data and sends it along with the message. The recipient then performs the same checksum calculation on the received data. If the checksum computed by the recipient matches the one sent by the sender, it indicates that the data has remained intact. Any discrepancies would suggest that the data may have been altered, whether due to errors in transmission or intentional tampering.

Integrity is essential in data communications as it ensures the accuracy and completeness of the information exchanged. Although checksums do contribute to other aspects of communications like detecting errors (which can indirectly support authenticity), their primary function lies in ensuring that the data has not changed in an unauthorized or unintended manner.