hex-editing
Raw byte modification
Hex-editing is modifying a file by directly manipulating its raw data in hexadecimal format, bypassing the program that normally handles it.
Programmers and hackers use hex editors to alter software, recover corrupted files, or examine binary data: I fixed the save file by hex-editing the character's stats.
The technique requires understanding file structures at the byte level.
Digital information unit
- nibbleSmall, tentative bite
- wordLinguistic meaning unit
- offsetCompensate by opposing force
- bitSmall amount or portion
memory address · sector · header · footer · magic number · padding · alignment · binary data
Repairing by covering
- overwritingReplacing stored data
- insertionPlacing something within
- deletionRemoval of content
- code injectionInserting malicious commands into programs
game modding · cracking · keygen · serial · copy protection
Binary-to-assembly translator
- debuggerSoftware error-locating tool
- viewerOne who observes visually
- cursorOn-screen position indicator
- selectionChosen item or items
goto · bookmark · compare · export · import · template · scripting · plugin
Data organization specification
- MD5Cryptographic fingerprint algorithm
- SHACryptographic digest algorithm
- hashChopped mixture, cooked together
- metadataDescriptive information about content
forensics · recovery · reverse engineering · data extraction
Code execution pause marker
- memory dumpFull extraction of system contents
- core dumpSaved crash state
- stack traceSequence of nested calls
- instructionGuidance for action
disassembly · bug hunting · fault detection · validation · hotfix
byte
Digital information unit
bit · memory address · sector · header · footer · magic number · padding · alignment · binary data · raw data
patching
Repairing by covering
- overwritingReplacing stored data
- insertionPlacing something within
- deletionRemoval of content
code injection · game modding · cracking · keygen · serial · copy protection
disassembler
Binary-to-assembly translator
- debuggerSoftware error-locating tool
- viewerOne who observes visually
- cursorOn-screen position indicator
selection · goto · bookmark · compare · export · import · template · scripting · plugin · inspector
file format
Data organization specification
- MD5Cryptographic fingerprint algorithm
- SHACryptographic digest algorithm
- hashChopped mixture, cooked together
metadata · forensics · recovery · reverse engineering · data extraction
breakpoint
Code execution pause marker
- memory dumpFull extraction of system contents
- core dumpSaved crash state
- stack traceSequence of nested calls
instruction · disassembly · bug hunting · fault detection · validation · hotfix
obfuscation
Deliberate concealment through confusion
- integrity checkTest for data corruption
hex, edit, editing, edited, edits, editor, editors, editorial, editorially