# Tools

CLI tools for working with Phantasma data, token workflows, and VM contract lifecycle.

## Available tools

* [pha-decode](https://phantasma.gitbook.io/main/developers/tools/pha-decode) - decode Carbon and VM transactions plus legacy event hex.
* [pha-deploy](https://phantasma.gitbook.io/main/developers/tools/pha-deploy) - create tokens, create NFT series, mint assets, compile contracts, deploy custom contracts, upgrade contracts, and attach VM code to existing tokens.

## When to use these tools

* Use **pha-decode** when you need to inspect raw transactions or legacy event hex.
* Use **pha-deploy** when you want a repeatable CLI alternative to the Token Deployment UI, or when you need explicit contract lifecycle workflows such as `contract compile`, `contract deploy`, `contract upgrade`, or `contract attach`.

Related docs:

* [Token Deployment UI](https://phantasma.gitbook.io/main/developers/token-deployment-frontend)
* [Private Key Guideline](https://phantasma.gitbook.io/main/developers/private-key-guideline)