Encrypting php files

[asantos]

Whats the best (free) way to encrypt php files so that no one can read the code?

[vincevincevince]

The best way is to keep the code on your own server and don't give anyone access to the source.

I have never seen any way of encrypting code which really works. If you find a method and are considering using it, just check google first - you will almost certainly find a simple method for decoding it.

[asantos]

Actually what i've found is eAccelerator + eAccelerator phpCoder. Anyone has some experience with that?

[vincevincevince]

The tool you mention is a bit tricky to install, and you are unlikely to get your hosting provider to install it unless you have a dedicated server or VPS.

It should do the job as it actually removes the source totally and just stores a binary version. Not 100% sure how portable the binaries are and how well they run if you move them to different apache / php setups.

[asantos]

Well, i own a reseller account for my clients. I dont encode those projects. But there's one client (a highschool) that wants to buy my CMS.

Of course i CANT give them the code... so i could try encoding it with eAccelerator, and telling them to install/setup eAccelerator on their webserver.

They run Apache on a WinXP server. Do you know where could i find instructions on installing eAccelerator on windows platforms?