mkpasswd
generates password hashes suitable for /etc/shadow or similar uses
TLDR
Generate password hash
$ mkpasswd [password]
Generate with specific method$ mkpasswd -m sha-512 [password]
Generate with salt$ mkpasswd -S [salt] [password]
Generate random password$ mkpasswd -l [16]
List available methods$ mkpasswd -m help
SYNOPSIS
mkpasswd [options] [password]
DESCRIPTION
mkpasswd generates password hashes suitable for /etc/shadow or similar uses. It can use various hashing algorithms and optionally generate random passwords.The tool is useful for creating encrypted passwords for system configuration files and automated provisioning.
PARAMETERS
-m method
Hash method (sha-512, sha-256, md5, des).-S salt
Specify salt value.-R rounds
SHA rounds count.-l length
Generate random password of length.-s, --stdin
Read password from stdin.-5
Use MD5 (shortcut).-P fd
Read password from file descriptor.
INSTALL
sudo apt install whois
sudo dnf install whois
sudo pacman -S whois
sudo apk add expect
sudo zypper install whois
brew install whois
nix profile install nixpkgs#whois
CAVEATS
Different versions have different options. whois package version differs from expect package. Strong methods recommended (sha-512). Avoid storing plaintext passwords.
HISTORY
mkpasswd exists in multiple implementations. The whois package version is common on Debian/Ubuntu, while others may have the expect package version. Both provide password hashing but with different options.
