Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Isn't it all reversable if you keep the original data?

Let f: V -> V

g: V -> V x V is reversable form of f, where g(v) = (v, f(v))

g'((v, w)) = v

g' can be "fooled" with a fake w, but that is of no concern here. We trust our own chip!




Your g is not reversible though, its input space must be the same dimension than its output space. On the other hand, you're correct in that any irreversible function can be extended to a reversible one, although the process isn't always straightforward. The general way is to do somthing like:

f: V -> V

g: V x A -> V x A

with g(x, a) = g(f(x), b) for some value(s) of a. And b cannot be set to x, because then you can't find a back with g', and your function is not invertible.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: