Python - Why ever use SHA1 when SHA512 is more secure?

Posted by orokusaki on Stack Overflow See other posts from Stack Overflow or by orokusaki
Published on 2010-04-14T19:55:54Z Indexed on 2010/04/14 20:03 UTC
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I don't mean for this to be a debate, but I'm trying to understand the technical rationale behind why so many apps use SHA1, when SHA512 is more secure. Perhaps it's simply for backwards compatibility.

Besides the obvious larger size (128 chars vs 40), or slight speed differences, is there any other reason why folks use the former?

Also, SHA-1 I believe was first cracked by a VCR's processor years ago. Has anyone cracked 512 yet (perhaps with a leaf blower), or is it still safe to use without salting?

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