Hiding the server-side PHP code?

[doug]

I understand that the server itself is executing the PHP and just sending client-side results to the browser. And as long as a file's extension is .php and the end-user doesn't have file system access to the source they can't see the PHP code itself.But what about the case where you are developing code for a customer who does have file system access (so they can upload their own web pages and images, etc.) Or if you develop a program for a customer to run on their own server?Is there any way of protecting your PHP source code from possible theft in cases like that? Like source file encrypting or something?Thanks,doug

[killboy]

Maybe this could help:http://w3schools.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=17080

[doug]

Maybe this could help:http://w3schools.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=17080

Thanks. That looks like one possible way to go. It seems to be a partial, and also out-dated solution (doesn't support PHP 5) and is not maintained any more. But it is useful to know that there has been some thought to this.doug

[doug]

There also appears to be commercially available solutions for this, such as:http://www.sourceguardian.com/doug

[killboy]

Thanks. That looks like one possible way to go. It seems to be a partial, and also out-dated solution (doesn't support PHP 5) and is not maintained any more. But it is useful to know that there has been some thought to this.doug

Yeah, that's what I said in that thread. But seriuosly, I recommend you the program. I've used and it's very helpful if you know how to use it.

[justsomeguy]

I believe these are the two most popular programs for encrypting PHP code. Both of them require software to be installed on the server in order for the code to be decrypted and executed.http://www.zend.com/en/products/guard/http://www.ioncube.com/