pbkdf2 is a widely used cryptographic function that implements the Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2 (PBKDF2). It is designed to securely hash passwords and derive cryptographic keys from them. PBKDF2 applies a pseudorandom function, such as HMAC, to the input password along with a salt and repeats the process multiple times to produce a derived key. This approach makes it more resistant to brute-force attacks compared to simpler hashing algorithms. While pbkdf2 is a robust choice for password hashing, there are several alternatives that also provide secure password hashing and key derivation. Here are a few notable options:

• bcrypt is a popular password hashing library that uses the Blowfish cipher to hash passwords. It incorporates a work factor, allowing developers to adjust the computational cost of hashing, making it more resistant to brute-force attacks over time. Bcrypt is widely regarded for its security and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for many applications that require password storage and verification.

• crypto-js is a comprehensive library of cryptographic algorithms implemented in JavaScript. It includes various hashing algorithms, including SHA-256, HMAC, and more. While it is not specifically designed for password hashing, it can be used to create secure hashes and encrypt data. Developers looking for a versatile cryptographic library that includes a wide range of algorithms may find crypto-js to be a suitable option.

• scrypt-js is a JavaScript implementation of the scrypt key derivation function, which is designed to be memory-hard and resistant to hardware brute-force attacks. Scrypt is particularly useful for applications that require high security for password hashing. It is an excellent alternative to PBKDF2 and bcrypt, especially in scenarios where memory usage is a concern.

To explore how pbkdf2 compares with bcrypt, crypto-js, and scrypt-js, check out the comparison: Comparing bcrypt vs crypto-js vs pbkdf2 vs scrypt-js.