From: Kenosis <kenosis@...>
Date: 2006-07-18T05:05:06+09:00
Subject: Re: n00b Q: Obfuscation and locking the source


James Britt wrote:
> Danno wrote:
> > James Britt wrote:
> >
> >>Danno wrote:
> >>
> >>>I have been doing some Ruby on and off this year, so I am still a n00b.
> >>> My question is:
> >>>
> >>>I create a ruby file, and now I want the source protected and
> >>>unreadable, how do I go about obfuscating my ruby file so that I can
> >>>distribute it as a non-open-source application?
> >>>
> >>
> >>This was discussed on this mailing list not too long ago (and on
> >>numerous other occasions in the past).  A search of the list archives
> >>should turn up various ideas and techniques to get you started.
> >>
> >
> >
> > I did, all I found were jokes about how ruby is already obfuscated, and
> > many different ways of saying 'no', and that was back in 2004.
>
> Weird; seems the word "obfuscate" didn't really figure into the
> discussions about obfuscating source code.  My apologies.
>
> Searching on "hiding" or "protecting" source code was a little better.
>
> This may be useful: http://www.ruby-forum.com/topic/69161#90229
>
> Generally someone asks how they can compile Ruby code into some binary
> form to hide the source, and the answer is, you really can't, not in any
> secure manner.
>
> Wish I had better links.
>
> My search-fu has failed me. :(
>
>
>
> --
> James Britt
>
> http://web2.0validator.com    - We're the Dot in Web 2.0
> http://refreshingcities.org   - Design, technology, usability
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> http://www.jamesbritt.com     - Playing with Better Toys

Here's the link to a thread I started on this topic a couple of years
ago.  As I recall, it was a very good treatment of the possibilities.
Enjoy!

http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/browse_thread/thread/aa4d1a0a1c596763/41e20c85ddbc0579?q=obfuscation+kenosis&rnum=1#41e20c85ddbc0579