From: Phil <cmdjackryan@...>
Date: 2007-09-01T19:41:43+09:00
Subject: Re: Seeing the source

> Hello. I'm new to Ruby (and also to scripting languages).
> 
> I'd like to know if, since Ruby is a scripting language, there's a way
> to hide the code when deploying an application. I'd users to be unable
> to see the source.
> 
> Is there a solution for that?

http://www.rubyinside.com/px-a-quick-and-silly-ruby-obfuscation-system-7.html

If you want to obfuscate code for business reasons, though, you might want to use a different language (Perl is naturally obfuscated :P), where obfuscators are available on a larger scale (Java and .NET languages should offer that, with them being enterprise-y and all).

The question is: Why do you need that? If you license your software, you could include a section on using the source in other applications a big, big no-no (well, you'd reiterate copyright laws, basically), and that your code is a trade secret. IANAL, though, nor do I play one on TV, so take that with a grain of salt.

--
Phillip Gawlowski