obviscating python code for distribution

[harrismh777]

Littlefield, Tyler wrote:
> I'm putting lots of work into this. I would rather not have some script
> kiddy dig through it, yank out chunks and do whatever he wants. I just
> want to distribute the program as-is, not distribute it and leave it
> open to being hacked.

Protection via obfuscation is invalid practically as well as 
philosophically. Those of us who work in the free software movement (or 
the open software movement too) specifically believe that obfuscation is 
an incorrect approach.

Obfuscation is the paramount Microsoft strategy for protection and for 
security. It doesn't work. In fact, making the code open permits what 
many of us who consider open source to be 'good science' more secure by 
allowing peer review and community improvement.

Some of us believe that code is not useful unless its open. If I can't 
see what you're doing, comment on it, improve it if I like, and share it 
with others I don't need it (its really that simple).

Nobody can make this decision for you, of course, but please consider 
making your coding free software (GPL license), or at least open and GPL 
compatible licensed.

kind regards,
m harris