SHA-512/256 generator
What SHA-512/256 means
Like SHA-512/224, this mode runs the SHA-512 round function but outputs only the leading 256 bits (64 hex chars) with its own IV constant set—distinct from plain SHA-256 even though the digest length matches.
When it appears
Cryptographic modules that standardized on SHA-512 silicon but need 256-bit outputs without switching to the 32-bit SHA-256 path. Always cite the full string SHA-512/256 in documentation to avoid silent mismatch with SHA-256.
Interchangeable with SHA-256?
No—the compression schedules differ even when lengths align.