How do I hide/protect ActiveX source code?

[eriksvegersson]

I am fairly new to ActiveX programming, but am in process of starting to design what will probably be an ActiveX control done in VB Script, that will be available for use / download inside of Internet Explorer. The code is not going to be overly complex, but the code and its underlying idea may have some commercial value, so I don't want other users to be able to copy it. At least I want it to be difficult to copy / see the source code.

I have googled everywhere in order to find a solution on how to protect the code, or how to make it possible for users not to see the source code, but I haven't found any solutions. I don't want the user to have to run an EXE file or DLL file to install anything (that would deter users), but at the same time I don't want them to see the source code. Can anyone recommend a good way of doing that? Would be very grateful if so. Regards, Erik

[Hack]

Welcome to the forums.

The only way to ensure source code protection is to compile it.

If you leave it in raw source, I can guarentee you someone will, if they want to, find a way to get it.

[eriksvegersson]

That makes sense - thank you. So I guess that means that it would be practially impossible to find the source code if I distribute it as compiled...? cheers

[alex_read]

Even Adobe and MS have their applications decompiled, stripped of licencing and repackaged. It's a never ending battle and I don't think there is any 100% failsafe way of protecting your code. There are obfuscator applications which help with this - with a range of few successes but generally a compile will be good enough.

At least I want it to be difficult to copy / see the source code.

For your comment there, compilation will easily fit the bill. The range of those skilled enough to decompile it are extremely rare and it wouldn't be worth their time on an activex control so you should be safe enough there.

[eriksvegersson]

Gotcha - Thanks a lot

Erik S