From: Ara.T.Howard@...
Date: 2005-04-27T08:24:29+09:00
Subject: [OT] Re: Precompiling Ruby programs

On Wed, 27 Apr 2005, John Wells wrote:

> We're considering Ruby here at work for a web application we would resell to
> customers.
>
> We're currently a Java shop, so distributing code in binary form (via class
> files) is no problem.  We get a few benefits: performance benefits and IP
> protection (via bytecode obfuscation).
>
> Is there any way to precompile ruby programs?  How have you handled similar
> scenarios?  This is unfortunately a stopping point for us, as we can't
> comfortably distribute our readable code to clients.
>
> I appreciate any insight you can provide.

this doesn't make me feel too comfortable

   http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=decompile+java&btnG=Google+Search

in particular

   "It turns out, due to a quirk in the design of the Java Runtime system and
   the relationship with its compilers, that Java code can be almost entirely
   reconstructed, including the actual names of variables used by the original
   programmer! The only things missing are the comments. This is an amazing
   oversight in the architecture of Java. Why is it this way? I don't know. I'd
   be interested in hearing more."

from

   http://davenet.scripting.com/1997/02/19/DecompilingJava

dated - but food for thought.

cheers.

-a
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