Tier 2 Series 106

106F: The Checksum

Pilot Record
Student Profile
"Players lie. If you save "Gold: 999" in a text file, a player will open it and type "Gold: 999999". An Engineer adds a Checksum (Hash) to detect if the file was modified outside the game."

The Concept: Data Integrity

Verifying the file has not been tampered with.

* **Hash:** A mathematical signature of the data.
* **Logic:** Save Data + Hash. On Load, calculate new Hash. If they don't match, delete the save.
Red Flag Detected

The AI Trap: "The Open Book"

You ask the AI: "Prevent cheating."

// AI-Generated Code: Obfuscation
// "Name the file something hidden like .system"
// Audit Fail: Security through obscurity fails instantly.

This is "Fake Security." Hiding the file does not stop a user from finding and editing it.

Elite Telemetry

Research shows "Elite" teams achieve 15% faster lead times by keeping AI on a "very tight leash."

  • Small Batches Solving one problem at a time prevents logic drift.
  • Modular Design Localizing the "blast radius" of AI changes.
  • Tight Loops Rapid iteration with constant code review.

The Engineer's Correction

Corrective Protocol
// Corrected: Tamper Proofing
// (Conceptual Code)
if (CalculateHash(json) != savedHash) Debug.LogError("Cheater!");
Your Pilot Command
> Capstone Mission: Audit the architecture of the game management system for scalability.
Next Mission
The Vault Exam