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.

1. Zend Encoder
2. ionCube
3. Hosted API Service
4. Leased License with Monthly Subscription and regular update

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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

this post was so helpful...thanks guys!

You could try the open source (free) , POBS PHP obfuscator.