The Hidden Risk of Online Developer Tools
Every day, millions of developers paste sensitive data into online tools: API keys, JWT tokens, database connection strings, private JSON payloads. Most never think about where that data goes.
Server-Side Tools: Your Data Takes a Trip
Most popular online dev tools work by sending your input to their server, processing it, and returning the result. This means:
- Your data travels across the internet (potentially unencrypted)
- It's processed on someone else's server
- It may be logged, cached, or stored
- Third parties (hosting providers, CDNs) may have access
Client-Side Tools: Your Data Stays Put
Client-side tools run JavaScript directly in your browser. Your data never leaves your device:
- Zero network requests for processing
- Works offline once loaded
- No server logs or data retention
- Impossible for the tool provider to access your data
How to Tell the Difference
Open your browser's DevTools (F12), switch to the Network tab, and use the tool. If you see POST requests when you click "Format" or "Decode," your data is being sent to a server.
Which Tools Are Client-Side?
DevUtility Hub runs 100% client-side. We deliberately have no backend, no API routes, and no data processing server. Every tool is pure JavaScript running on your machine.
Next time you paste an API key into an online tool, check the Network tab first. Your security depends on it.