– Search for eval( , base64_decode , gzinflate , str_rot13 . Replace eval with echo or file_put_contents to dump the decoded payload.

Choose Ampare if you need cost-effective, flexible licensing without a recurring subscription. Choose IonCube if you need compatibility with legacy marketplaces (ThemeForest, CodeCanyon) that mandate it.

This happens on the developer's machine. You feed your raw PHP files into the Ampare PHP Encoder software. The software parses the code, strips comments and whitespace (which reduces file size and removes helpful hints for hackers), obfuscates the logic, and finally encrypts the payload.

// Encoded with flags: --define PRO=0 --define TEAM=1 if(PRO_MODE) include_feature('gantt_charts.php');

You can encode different branches of your code differently. For example:

For developers who sell proprietary software, digital products, or custom web applications, this is a nightmare. How do you protect your intellectual property? How do you enforce licenses? How do you ensure your competition doesn't just copy and paste your work?