---
layout: "api"
page_title: "/sys/tools - HTTP API"
sidebar_title: "/sys/tools
"
sidebar_current: "api-http-system-tools"
description: |-
This is the API documentation for a general set of crypto tools.
---
# `/sys/tools`
The `/sys/tools` endpoints are a general set of tools.
## Generate Random Bytes
This endpoint returns high-quality random bytes of the specified length.
| Method | Path | Produces |
| :------- | :--------------------------- | :--------------------- |
| `POST` | `/sys/tools/random(/:bytes)` | `200 application/json` |
### Parameters
- `bytes` `(int: 32)` – Specifies the number of bytes to return. This value can
be specified either in the request body, or as a part of the URL.
- `format` `(string: "base64")` – Specifies the output encoding. Valid options
are `hex` or `base64`.
### Sample Payload
```json
{
"format": "hex"
}
```
### Sample Request
```
$ curl \
--header "X-Vault-Token: ..." \
--request POST \
--data @payload.json \
http://127.0.0.1:8200/v1/sys/tools/random/164
```
### Sample Response
```json
{
"data": {
"random_bytes": "dGhlIHF1aWNrIGJyb3duIGZveAo="
}
}
```
## Hash Data
This endpoint returns the cryptographic hash of given data using the specified
algorithm.
| Method | Path | Produces |
| :------- | :--------------------------- | :--------------------- |
| `POST` | `/sys/tools/hash(/:algorithm)` | `200 application/json` |
### Parameters
- `algorithm` `(string: "sha2-256")` – Specifies the hash algorithm to use. This
can also be specified as part of the URL. Currently-supported algorithms are:
- `sha2-224`
- `sha2-256`
- `sha2-384`
- `sha2-512`
- `input` `(string: )` – Specifies the **base64 encoded** input data.
- `format` `(string: "hex")` – Specifies the output encoding. This can be either
`hex` or `base64`.
### Sample Payload
```json
{
"input": "adba32=="
}
```
### Sample Request
```
$ curl \
--header "X-Vault-Token: ..." \
--request POST \
--data @payload.json \
http://127.0.0.1:8200/v1/sys/tools/hash/sha2-512
```
### Sample Response
```json
{
"data": {
"sum": "dGhlIHF1aWNrIGJyb3duIGZveAo="
}
}
```