What is the best way to protect PHP code when you distribute it?

Question

I have a specialized application, that was created specifically for a couple of customers, I want to give it to them, but I don't want them to distribute it or change the code. Is there any way to protect the PHP code without having to install special server plugins?

Answer 1

Not really! As with any scripting language in use on the web, once it is out there it is out there!



If you're concerned about protecting your rights from your customers, then adding something on Intellectual Properties into your agreement would be wise. (Whatever document it is you expect them to agree to, which becomes your contract/license.) Check out the wording of other EULA (end-user license agreement) for ideas on how to word yours so as to specify what they may or may not do.



'Course, the flip side of this would be - if you wanted to take legal action - is proving they were the ones who infringed on your license! Once you put web code out there, particularly scripting language code such as PHP, it becomes really hard to protect!

Answer 2

There isn't any DRM (digital rights management) attached to PHP files, however you have a few other options ...

1) Upload the files to a directory on the client site that only you can access.

2) If your client resides in the United States, you can have them sign a non-disclosure / non-redistribute agreement.

3) What you've design in PHP probably has been designed before, so you might need to let go.



If the client paid for your services, they usually own the code that you have produced for them. It would be a strange circumstance that they hired you to make some web pages for them and would not want to assume ownership over the content. A special clause like this would typically have big impacts on your proposal.

Answer 3

Difficult beyond the code encoder.



You actually may want to go the other way where you would have freedom to reuse the code........as a consultant, you usually are coding for the customer and the customer owns all code produced or generated while you are under contract with them.

Answer 4

use ioncube enocder or zend encoder.

You cant protect php without any Server plugins.

Answer 5

Well, no not really! you see just make sure they know that they can not edit or redistribute it in any way shape or form.