hide PHP code on server

[hermes]

Dear all,

I was wondering whether there was any technology for hiding/encrypting PHP code on the server - such that server administrators cannot look at it and perhaps distribute it. My code is not worthy of such protection right now (will it ever be?) - this Q is more of academic interest for me right now.
all the best.

[hughie]

There are three solutions out there that i know of. not sure id i'm allowed to post the names on here. Not really played with either but know that they can do a good job.

sticky me for the links

Cheers,
Hughie

[hermes]

Hughie, thanks ever so much for the sticky. What you gave me was exactly the kind of thing I am after - but boy are those solutions expensive. Does anyone know any free/open source solutions - free/open source "php encoders"?

With such PHP encoding one can "distribute your PHP applications without revealing source code" - you can put your PHP code on a server run by a third party and they cannot read your PHP code.

I would imagine that this is quite a commen query for PHP coders - anyone any ideas on free solutions? Would be so grateful.

[bcolflesh]

The free Turck MMCache can be used as an encoder:

[turck-mmcache.sourceforge.net...]

[hermes]

that looks a brilliant tool. Thanx mate. Brilliant. Brilliant.