Securing source code

[Epsilon]

On occasion I have bought or downloaded PHP scripts that appear to be compiled. I'm not sure if that's the right term, but they are binary so you can't view or edit the source code.

Is anyone familiar with how this is done? I'm interested in doing this with some of my own scripts and I was hoping there is a simple program available that can convert them to binary.

[idx]

ION Cube Encoder - $199
Roadsend Compiler - $399 .. Although it actually compiles the code instead of just encoding it down to bytecode. Slightly expensive, but looks pretty cool.

PriadoBlender - Free compiler.

Zend Encoder - Looks to be the most pricey. Probably only worth it if you're a high-volume dev company or want to have it for internal enterprise use.

I think there are a few more, but I can't find them right now. I'll let you know if I do.

-r