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Muhammad Haris
Muhammad Haris

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Stop uploading your sensitive data: I built a privacy-first Developer Suite (JSON, PDF, Base64)

#showdev #webdev #productivity #privacy

The Problem

We have all been there. You need to format a messy JSON response, decode a Base64 string, or merge two PDF files quickly. You search on Google, click the first result, and get bombarded with:

  • ❌ Pop-up ads and newsletter modals.
  • ❌ "Wait 15 seconds to download."
  • ❌ Privacy anxiety: Are they storing my PDF contract? Is my API key in this JSON being logged?

I realized that simple utility tools shouldn't be this complicated, slow, or intrusive.

The Solution: HarisLab.tech

I decided to build HarisLab.tech – a free, privacy-focused collection of developer tools and converters.

My goal was simple: No ads, no tracking, and no data retention.

HarisLab Screenshot

Under the Hood: The "Privacy-First" Architecture

As developers, we care about where our data goes. Here is how I structured the application to ensure security:

1. Client-Side Tools (JavaScript)

For text-based tools like JSON Formatter, Base64 Encoder, Password Generator, and Regex Tester, the data never leaves your browser.

Everything is processed locally in the DOM. This makes it lightning-fast and 100% secure. You could theoretically disconnect your internet and they would still work.

2. File Tools (Zero-Retention Backend)

For heavier tasks like PDF Merging or Image Conversion (WebP/JPG), I use a PHP backend. However, I implemented a strict "Ephemeral Processing" policy:

  1. Upload: File is temporarily stored in a restricted tmp folder.
  2. Process: The script performs the conversion/merge.
  3. Delete: unlink() is called immediately after the response is generated.
  4. No Logs: I don't store filenames, metadata, or user IP logs related to the files.

What's Included?

I have currently built 50+ tools, but here are the ones I find most useful for daily dev work:

  • 📄 PDF Tools: Merge, Split, and a new Page Resizer (supports A0, A1, A2, A3, A4 standard sizes).
  • 🖼️ Image Tools: Batch Convert (WebP/PNG/JPG) and Compress.
  • 💻 Dev Utilities: JSON Validator, XML-YAML Converter.
  • 🔐 Security: SHA/MD5 Hash Generator, Bcrypt Generator.

And Much More Useful Tools

Future Plans

I am constantly optimizing performance and adding new utilities. I am currently working on moving more of the image processing to WebAssembly (Wasm) to remove the server dependency entirely.

Try it out

I built this for the community, so it's completely free. I would love to hear your feedback on the UI or if there are any specific tools you'd like me to add next!

👉 Live Demo: https://harislab.tech

Happy Coding! 🚀``

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