srini wrote:
>
> IMHO!!! If a class file can be converted to java file easily and can
> be viewed by users and also using them in their program without the
> rights of the original author what security does java provide for
> developers for their efforts and time putin to create a code??.
I assume the same as any other language:-) Software re-engineering (i.e.
getting the original code out of an executable) has been around for some
time, a true verification of the fact that you cannot have your pie
(originality of your code) and eat it (have others use it)!
If you look into software as a commodity, you are not far from asking
'Why tailors do not protect enough the clothes they make so that they
cannot be copied?' A survey on the number of tailors and that of shops
selling mass-produced clothes can give an indication to that.
There is only one way to deter copy-cats and that has been the same
almost for ever: make it more expensive for them to copy, rather than
buying the original.
To drop the philosophical attitude, let me point out that there exist
for Java (as for nearly all other languages) 'obfuscators'. i.e. special
code processors that mangle the code so badly, a decompiler will have
real trouble getting meaningful code out of it. If you follow the scene
you will notice that for every new obfuscator that shows up, a new
decompiler is presented. And vice versa. For the 'C' language perhaps
you are aware of obfuscating competitions.
My two drachmas (1/15 of a cent!) worth of thoughts is that this makes
software engineering an interesting line of work: you cannot invent the
steam engine and rest for a century enjoying your revenues. Pioneering
is more important than niche-market protection.
Of course you'll ask, 'If that is so, mr. clever guy, how come Steve
Jobs borrows money from Bill Gates and not the other way around??'
But this story would go even beyond our current standing on the
servlet-interest title of the list.
Apologies,
Kostas
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