Presents your 
JAVA E-NEWSLETTER for April 3, 2003

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PROTECT YOUR CODE WITH AN OBFUSCATOR

One advantage of Java's public class file format is that you can
retrieve lost source code without too much effort. A major disadvantage 
is that others can generate that same source code for your class files.

In your internal network, this is not much of an issue, but if you
distribute Java libraries to third parties such as customers or 
vendors, then you may want to take steps to protect your investment.

One measure you can take to protect your code is to use an obfuscator,
which is a program that reads your Java class files and modifies them so
that decompiling them doesn't produce valid or even beneficial source
code. You can find obfuscators in both the open source and commercial worlds.

Current generation commercial obfuscators integrate nicely into standard
build processes and are not as intrusive as some of their predecessors.

Some obfuscators obfuscate your class files by creating invalid
bytecode, which is the Java Virtual Machine's native language. While your
code will be able to run under specific implementations of the Java Virtual
Machine, you might have to make changes when newer versions are 
released.

Also, before you invest time or money, ensure that the obfuscator you're
considering actually protects you against the most popular decompilers,
such as JAD.

Taking steps to protect your code can be a smart move, but the path to
follow is not always well laid out. If you choose obfuscation as part 
of your protection, do plenty of homework before committing.

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