I was wondering I can somehow protect my php source codes. I have seen program to crypt php source codes but was not free, and the server php script will be used must have that program as well, so I gave up.

Is there any way to protect source codes? Like in JSP, you can compile the source codes, right?

There are 2 mainstream ways to encode (i.e. protect) your PHP code. You can use the IONCube encoder (http://www.ioncube.com/) or Zend encoder (http://zend.com). With either you'll have to have the respective technology loaded on the server but you can usually dynamically load the IONCube decoder so your host won't have to install it special for you. With Zend many hosts have it installed already so it's no problem either. IONCube I believe allows you to encode single files for free, so if your project is small it can be cost effective.

Chris

You may also want to look into using SourceGuardian (www.sourceguardian.com (http://www.sourceguardian.com)). However, this doesn't compile the source code in binary, it obfuscates to the max and encodes it. View the site for more details.

nexcess, IonCube allows you to encode single files for $0.50, not for free. :P

Turck MMCache also comes with a nice encoder and loader:

http://turck-mmcache.sourceforge.net/

Thank you all for your comments.
I think I will consider using IONCube.

I second mmcache, I'm a big fan :)

Originally posted by t c
You may also want to look into using SourceGuardian (www.sourceguardian.com (http://www.sourceguardian.com)). However, this doesn't compile the source code in binary, it obfuscates to the max and encodes it. View the site for more details.

nexcess, IonCube allows you to encode single files for $0.50, not for free. :P

The latest version of SourceGuardian has an option for you to compile in binary also.

I wouldn't know as I do not keep up with every updated SourceGuardian produces. Last version I remember looking at didn't have any such feature but, this is good I suppose.

google for:
PHP Code Obfuscator
PHP Code Encryption

etc..

I use ionCube, love it. Makes the files much smaller in size too.

Me too, it's free and easy to use :)

Originally posted by EUROspeed
I second mmcache, I'm a big fan :)

And while you're at it, why not add licensing to your scripts?

www.phpaudit.com

Works like a charm!

Nice to see PHPAudit mentioned, it is a good package. There is a synergy between the PHPAudit package and encoding, and in recognition of this, you can actually buy PHPAudit and ionCube together at a generous combined discount.

Whatever solution one goes for, whether it's commercial with ionCube or Zend, or free and opensource, but unsupported, e.g. mmcache, the main thing is to do something if protecting intellectual property is important to you. Don't make the false economy of deferring encoding until your product "takes off" just to save a few $'s. Encoding is an investment that can pay off handsomly and help you sleep at night.

Recognise that not all encoders are the same, and be sure to go with a good compiled code system as opposed to one that just hides and restores your original source code. The reason here is simply but crucially that with source code hiding systems, the purportedly protected scripts can be exposed after restoration when passed to PHP for processing, whereas with compiled code, the processing was done even before encoding and the files are restored to a binary form and not source. Choosing a system that has a closed source execution engine, e.g. Zend Optimiser with Zend or the Loader with ionCube, is another plus point as it also stops a hacker single stepping or accessing the compiled code stream when files are processed.

Originally posted by phpa
There is a synergy between the PHPAudit package and encoding, and in recognition of this, you can actually buy PHPAudit and ionCube together at a generous combined discount.
I did not know this. Where can I find details?

I have a URL for their page, but it may not be officially announced yet (although we will do so at some point soon). The saving is $75. Best thing is to check with Andy or Alasdair at PHPAudit directly on this. If it's acceptable here then we'll add a link later too, but if reading this and there's no link, just get in touch with us directly.

ionCube

Sorry for the delay in getting this offer out. I've added the links to our order system now. The official release will be soon to follow. :)

Direct link to order the bundle:
https://phpaudit.com/c/product_order.php?c=Nw%3D%3D

Regular order system link:
http://phpaudit.com/c/product_order.php

Thanks Andy!

How about if we already own phpAudit? ;)