Best way to protect PHP source code?

15 years ago

I've used IonCube a few times, with success.

It needs some server-side stuff setting up, too - but check with your host first; some of them have PHP with the IonCube extension pre-loaded, which takes out a lot of the hassle.

Been a while since I've checked prices etc, but take a look at their site - PHP Encoder, protection, installer and performance tools from ionCube: ionCube PHP Encoder. They offer a free evaluation, too.

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rarebiz

15 years ago

1. Zend Encoder
2. ionCube
3. Hosted API Service

4. Leased License with Monthly Subscription and regular update

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1 reply

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gcornelisse 15 years ago

PHP Encoder, PHP Compiler. The $75 full bytecode encoder including PHP script protectio

I've always want to buy it, but never had a good reason.
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improvingtheweb

15 years ago

Nothing will ever protect you completely. The warez guys already have access to zend encrypted decompilers that can decrypt your script in seconds.

What is the reason you're trying to protect your source code exactly?

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sylvia88 15 years ago

Originally Posted by improvingtheweb

Nothing will ever protect you completely. The warez guys already have access to zend encrypted decompilers that can decrypt your script in seconds.

absolutely right !
i've heard about the zend decompilers that can decrypt our scripts :confused:

I still want to know the opinion here about "how to protect PHP source code"
anyway i use PHP Lock It now...
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SteveJohnson

15 years ago

Zend Encoder and ionCube have both been broken.

That said, it still takes a lot of effort to get the source code from an encoded file -- using either of those 2 would probably protect in 90% of instances.

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gcornelisse

15 years ago

I agree... Your "average" user isn't going to take the time or know how to crack your code. I'd say just do the best you can.

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Jared Alberghini

15 years ago

Originally Posted by schabotte

Hi,

I was wondering what techniques/programs code developers find the best for protecting the PHP source code from buyers. There seem to be many solutions out there so I'm wondering what others have used and what their experience has been?

Steven

Steven,

To be honest, this has been a main reason that I didn't purchase many scripts in the past, just because they were encrypted, and I didn't have full control of tweaking the php code to my liking.

Sure, I could go through the hassle of decoding it, but it's just quicker to find a similar script that is NOT encoded.

Hope that helps.

- Jared

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Mark Brian

15 years ago

Hosted API service is your best bet. It can never be decrypted because your clients doesn't have a full hard copy of the script/code.

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greenexit

15 years ago

Originally Posted by schabotte

Hi,

I was wondering what techniques/programs code developers find the best for protecting the PHP source code from buyers. There seem to be many solutions out there so I'm wondering what others have used and what their experience has been?

Steven

Yeah, I have researched this myself as well.

The one I liked was Ioncube because they have an online version where you pay as you go. Otherwise the encoders are too freaking expensive.

Hostgator supports ioncube already. Dreamhost is easy to make it support it. Just need to run a script. PM me if you want to know how.

Thanks

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MemberWing

15 years ago

The biggest problem with all byte-level PHP encoders is that they require loader to run. Not all hosters support it and if you sell your code to wide audience - expect flood of support calls and stream of steady refund requests.
Pissed off customers who are unwilling to bend over backwards to struggle with their hosting providers to have zend optimizer or ioncude installed.

I'd be interested to learn about solution that does not require special loaders and would support time expiration licenses.

Gleb