When you buy software, the source code usually is not made public, but doesn’t your computer still have to run the code to use the software? How can it run the code without allowing the user to see the code?

Question

When you buy software, the source code usually is not made public, but doesn’t your computer still have to run the code to use the software? How can it run the code without allowing the user to see the code?

In: Technology

Answer 1

With the assistance tools available today I think most runcode is close to 100% dis-assemblable. Piece by piece maybe. With lots of hands on and enough talented people working hard enough with these tools, you’ve pretty much got the software in hand.

But what then? That code was likely generated by a higher level of authoring (or multiple levels) that included all kinds of labelling, comments, documentation. There may be complex encryption keys that would be as hard to break as the disassembly itself. It’s unlikely you’re going to be able to do much in the way of editing or modifying or customizing the software (which is the point) without that guidance