Python 256bit Hash function with number output

Question

I need a Hash function with a 256bit output (as long int).

First I thought I could use SHA256 from the hashlib but it has an String Output and I need a number to calcula

Answer 1

python 3.x update

import hashlib
value = 'something to hash'
t_value = value.encode('utf8')
h = hashlib.sha256(t_value)
h.hexdigest()
n = int(h.hexdigest(),base=16)
print(n)