What are the downsides of code obfuscation?

What are the downsides of code obfuscation?

Code obfuscation can make debugging difficult, increase maintenance costs, and may not fully protect against reverse engineering.

Can it affect performance?

Yes, obfuscation can lead to performance overhead due to added complexity in the code, which may slow down execution.

Are there any legal implications?

Yes, depending on the jurisdiction, obfuscation might raise legal issues, especially if it hides malicious intent.

What are some alternatives to obfuscation?

Alternatives include using encryption, code signing, or implementing robust access controls to protect your code.

Is obfuscation ever a good idea?

It can be beneficial in certain scenarios, like protecting intellectual property, but it should be used judiciously.