I would like AbiWord to be able to calculate and display the MD5 message digest
for the current document. (This digest is a 128-bit 'fingerprint' of any
'message', such as a file for example, that is different for any two documents.
See http://www.gl.umbc.edu/~mabzug1/cs/md5/md5.html)
Comparing the 'fingerprints' would allow me and someone else to know that we
have exactly the same versions of a document, which is handy if the document is
an agreement that we both intend to sign. This only works, though, if we can
both get the digest easily.
Ideally, AbiWord would both show the MD5 digest on a document properties
dialogue box, and allow you to insert it into the document as a 'field' that is
calculated when the document is printed. Obviously, you can't include the digest
itself in the document.
Is this worthwhile? Can RSA's algorithm be used in GPL code?
Peter Hilton
(standard disclaimer applies)