The Developer's Toolkit: 5 Free Utilities That Actually Respect Your Time

As a backend developer, I end up using small utility tools all the time. Formatting JSON, cleaning up SQL queries, validating responses — these are tiny tasks, but they happen every day. The problem? Most tools are either: slow filled with ads require login or just too cluttered So over time, I found myself sticking to a few simple, fast tools. Here are 5 that I genuinely use daily 👇

1. JSON Formatter (Fast & Clean)

When working with APIs, raw JSON can get messy quickly. A good formatter makes it:

• readable
• easier to debug
• easier to spot issues

👉 I actually built a simple one for myself: https://toolhub.fyi

It's focused on:

• speed
• zero login
• clean UI

2. SQL Formatter

Messy SQL = painful debugging. Formatting queries properly helps:

• understand joins faster
• debug logic errors
• improve readability

I use formatters almost every time I write complex queries.

3. JSON Validator

Sometimes APIs return broken or unexpected responses. A validator helps quickly:

• detect syntax errors
• avoid runtime issues

4. Text Diff Checker

Comparing two responses manually is a nightmare. Diff tools help you:

• spot changes instantly
• debug faster

5. Base64 Encoder/Decoder

Surprisingly useful when dealing with:

• tokens
• encoded payloads
• API debugging

Why I Built My Own Tool Hub

I got tired of switching between multiple sites just to do simple things. So I built a small tool hub that puts everything in one place:

👉 https://toolhub.fyi

It's still early, but the goal is simple:

• fast tools
• no clutter
• no login
• developer-first experience

Would Love Your Feedback 🙌

If you use similar tools:

• What do you use the most?
• Anything you wish existed but doesn't?

I'm actively improving it based on real feedback.