Can I compile PHP to hide the code on the server?

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russell
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Can I compile PHP to hide the code on the server?

Post by russell »

Can I compile PHP to hide the code on the server?
We have some software that we want to install on other people's server but do not want them to steal the code. Can we hide the code through compiling it?
kcomer
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Post by kcomer »

You have a few options.

http://www.ioncube.com/encoder/
Haven't used this one but I hear it does a fine job, especially for the price.

http://www.zend.com/store/products/zend-encoder.php
I have used the Zend Encoder and it works great. The end user will need to install the Zend Optimizer on their web server, but since it's free and easy to install it's normally not a problem. These are the two best options you have. Some poeple say to code it so its hard to read, or use includes, but those two methods are good. Plus if the end user is using your product on a LAN with no net connection then the includes wont work. If you plan on sellign the product and making some good money then use Zend Encoder, it's the best way to go.
evilcoder
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Post by evilcoder »

Yeah, if you dont want to spend lots of cash on encoding software, then just pack the <span style='color:blue' title='I&#39;m naughty, are you naughty?'>smurf</span> up with dummy code and obscure variable names

$send_mail would become $xh5kl

just little things like that can make code almost impossible to code. A good idea is to make the real script first which is easy to read, then duplicate it and do "Replace All" search in something like homesite and change all the variables that way and take out ALL the comments.
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hob_goblin
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Post by hob_goblin »

evilcoder wrote:Yeah, if you dont want to spend lots of cash on encoding software, then just pack the s**t up with dummy code and obscure variable names.
If 50 cents per file is 'lots of cash'.... I don't know.
evilcoder
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Post by evilcoder »

i though that ZEND software was like thousands to purchase. Oh well, my mistake.
encoder4php
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Try Encoder4php

Post by encoder4php »

It's very easy to use and install:
http://encoder4php.pag1.com

With this encoder, you can protect your PHP source!!!
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