How to protect our source code ?

[NiPat]

Hello all,

I have heard that even after encrypting our .prg files, there are some utilities which can reverse enginerred thr encrypted .prg files ( .fxp) to it's original source form.

Then how to protect our source code , while distrubuting the VFP app along with our .exe files.

_ Pat

 

[Mike Gagnon]

NiPat

If you compile your application into an exe, you don't need to distrubute your .fxp files.
Mike Gagnon

 

[rgbean]

Pat,
You are correct, there are utilities (ReFox, et al) that can decompile your code even if "encrypted". Depending on how you do it, there may not be any comments, and it's possible that some of your variable names will be substituted with generic names. However, all you logic will be available. Note: If you buy, ReFox, you can "brand" your code so ReFox won't decompile it without your password, etc., but there are some other decompilers that can get around that. There are also some software and hardware locks (dongles) that can protect .EXEs, but most don't work well with VFP because a VFP .EXE, is really mostly just data for the VFP runtime.

Just like door locks and keys, proctection schemes really only keep honest people out - the crooks can always get in, given the time and determination.

Rick