title: Which method to use to encrypt passwords in MySQl database?
body: <p>I have been researching the best way to encrypt my password into my mySQL database, but I haven't been able to pin-point the best encryption for passwords.  </p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><p><code>md5(</code>) is said to be flawed because of various security reasons which I do not know, but is somehow used by WordPress. Why is this function so criticized?</p></li>
  <li><p><code>sha1()</code> is just another function inspired by <code>md</code>-series with more computational complexity.</p></li>
  <li><p><code>password()</code> seems to be advised to use.</p></li>
  <li><p>and the <code>PASSWORD()</code> in MySQl</p></li>
  <li><p>then, the new function <code>hash()</code> which came into use in PHP 5.1.2. and newer versions</p></li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>In what way is MySQl <code>PASSWORD()</code> different from other php functions named above?</p>