SHA‑512 (SHA‑2 family) outputs a 512‑bit digest. Its larger internal state and word size benefit some 64‑bit platforms. It is robust for integrity, digital signatures, and tamper detection.
Like other fast hashes, SHA‑512 alone is unsuitable for password storage. Always use a dedicated password hashing / KDF algorithm with per‑user salts and tuned cost factors. For content address trade‑offs (size vs speed) consider SHA‑256 or modern alternatives (BLAKE3) depending on performance goals.