Developer Utility Tools
Formatting, encoding, decoding, hashing, timestamps, UUIDs, and testing utilities grouped by task instead of buried in a generic tools menu.
Utility pages often lose visibility because they share the same generic ‘developer tools’ framing. This hub gives each utility a clearer context and makes it easier to route users to the page that matches the exact transformation they need.
Decision tree: which utility do I need?
- Need to inspect a token? Use JWT Decoder. Read Decode JWT Tokens Safely if you want the workflow context.
- Need to encode or decode binary or URL-unsafe data? Use Base64 Encode/Decode or URL Encode/Decode.
- Need a fingerprint of a value? Use Hash Generator. Hash Strings with SHA-256 covers when to choose which algorithm.
- Need a unique identifier? Use UUID Generator. Generate UUID in JavaScript shows when to use the tool versus a script.
- Working with timestamps? Use Unix Timestamp Converter.
- Need to validate or beautify JSON? Use JSON Formatter before sending the data to JSON Diff.
- Testing a regex? Use Regex Tester.
How these utilities actually differ
Encoding vs hashing
Encoding is reversible: Base64 or URL-encoded values can be decoded back to the original. Hashing is one-way: the output is a fingerprint that cannot be inverted. Use encoding for transport, hashing for verification.
Generation vs conversion
UUID generators produce new random values. Timestamp and Base64 tools convert existing values. Picking the right verb keeps the workflow clear.
Inspection vs validation
The JWT Decoder shows what is inside a token. It does not validate the signature, because that requires the issuer secret. Use it for debugging, not for trust decisions.
Formatting, encoding, and decoding
JSON Formatter
Format, validate, minify, and inspect JSON before you diff it or ship it downstream.
Base64 Encode/Decode
Convert between plain text and Base64 for payload inspection, tokens, and test fixtures.
URL Encode/Decode
Handle percent-encoding safely for query strings, redirect URLs, and request debugging.
JWT Decoder
Inspect claims, timestamps, and token structure locally in the browser.
Generation and validation tools
Regex Tester
Test patterns, inspect matches, and debug capture groups without leaving the page.
UUID Generator
Generate random UUIDs in bulk and validate existing values.
Hash Generator
Create MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 values for quick verification.
Unix Timestamp Converter
Move between epoch values and readable dates during debugging or incident response.
Language-specific utility pages
Use utilities together
Before diffing
Use JSON Formatter to validate and normalize payloads before sending them to JSON Diff.
During API debugging
Use JWT Decoder, Timestamp Converter, and URL Encode/Decode together when tracing request failures.
During data preparation
Use Base64, hashes, and UUIDs when you need to build fixtures or verify transformed values without leaving the browser.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Are these utilities safe for sensitive tokens?
Yes. Every utility runs in the browser. Tokens, hashed values, UUIDs, and encoded strings never touch a server.
What is the difference between encoding and hashing?
Encoding (Base64, URL encoding) is reversible. Hashing (MD5, SHA-256) is a one-way fingerprint that cannot be reversed.
Does the JWT Decoder validate signatures?
It shows the header, payload, and claims for debugging. Signature validation requires the issuer secret or public key, which the tool does not request.
How are UUIDs generated?
UUIDs are generated locally using strong randomness from the browser, in the standard v4 format.
What hash algorithms are supported?
MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512. Prefer SHA-256 for new uses; MD5 and SHA-1 are kept for legacy compatibility checks.