Code Obfuscation: The soul of programming

  • 3 years   ago
programming, coding, code programming

For any individual in this era the most useful device is a smartphone. It helps one to complete a lot of tasks in a few seconds and therefore it has gained vast popularity across the planet. One can see a variety of models and brands in market but there is hardly anyone who knows the real heroes behind the success of this device. A device uses a lot of apps and programs which are created by numerous codes with which an ordinary user has nothing to do. Technically, the code obfuscation is one such code that helps the app to get the desired task completed. It uses a number of things such as a strategy to complete the task with the help of platform and metadata needed for the task completion. For the coders it is not a difficult task to have a code figured rightly with a little programming. 

It is a hidden code that the computers and smartphone uses and same can be decoded by a qualified developer only. Usually such coding is done to offer it desired security as the smartphone system may be exposed to any hacker with a few tricks. Hence safety of the data and code are primary concerns for a software developer. It is done with the intention to provide right result using a limited data on the device and hence code obfuscation is the primary task that a software developer or programmer focuses on. 

Data obscurity or same for the source code can help the developer to keep the data on the device safe as they cannot be of any use to hacker and hence even if the system is exposed to him he can hardly access any of the data present. Some developers also use reverse engineering to avoid such event of hacking where this trick is widely used. Here one needs to note that it is not as same as the encryption. In encryption of data the original data is changed in codes and same is decoded when the concerned data reaches its destination. The code obfuscation is the disfigurement of a particular data where the facts of the message are hidden in a way that it can be simplified with the help of another program which is particularly developed for the concerned system only. Hence the data stays safe in any condition. 

There are also different aspects of code obfuscation which are mentioned here:

Encryption string: It is just like coding of a specific information using a special code method set by the developer and at the destination it is decoding the same. the variables and readability of the same gets changed during the transfer phase which makes the concerned data safer. 

Rename Obfuscation: In this process the prime elements are renamed as per the set code and therefore even if the data is taken away it cannot be used by anyone. Although there are also some options sought out by some experts but they are still in primary phase of exploration. Presently iOS, Java and Android use this tech only. 

Use of dummy code: It is another method that varies developer to developer as per the insertion codes that are executed. To undo this process is almost impossible if one does not know it well. 

The use of code obfuscator: 

• The moment an Android App is developed the developers develop this code to safeguard and verify the code to check the app and its effects. 

• To keep the data of the user safe the code obfuscation can be the best option as it hides important information in the form of codes which becomes difficult for the hackers to crack. 

• Obfuscation of text message can also help to keep data safe and reduce the risk of getting it used by unauthorised people. 

• The reverse engineering can also help to understand how safe the data is on a particular device. 

For the developers also there are some issues which prove highly time consuming. Among such issues the leading one is debugging of a code that can lead to other areas of a program. However, a generic computation can help secure the code and rest of the part of the program. 

How does the code obfuscation work?

For safety of the device it is necessary that the hacker cannot hack the password or code. The code obfuscation can help one to keep the codes obfuscated and hence one cannot get it easily. The moment one tires to go for the code it gets obfuscated and hence not visible which leaves one in dark only. It has decompilers that can immediately figure out the code irrespective of the system and obfuscate it. It has completely automated system that can help one to save data in case of any threat from external side. It also changes the name of interaction which can instantly rename the code to make it tough for the hackers to guess or find the code. The most notable point here is it still leaves no impact on the overall performance of the app. With new changes the codes are renamed which may be in engraved or other non-obvious character. 

When the code obfuscation can be feasible? 

It is useful in making different programs irrespective of language or system. It is a feasible option to test the code as well as assess the program created by the developers. It can also help in trouble shooting and changing the apps as and when required. In case the file or important information is lost, it can help one to recover the same. Those who want to keep the program codes with limited access to them can go for this strategy as it can keep the code top secret irrespective of internal or external threats. It is something important for the developers to keep the program offers the best and within the framework with utmost security. 

Those who are in this field mostly rely on this technique as it is considered sound and most viable in the present scenario across the industry.

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