MATLAB Programming Fundamentals - MathWorks

Protect Your Source Code

Although MATLAB source code (.m) is executable by itself, the contents of MATLAB

source files are easily accessed, revealing design and implementation details. If you do

not want to distribute your proprietary application code in this format, you can use one of

these options instead:

• Deploy as P-code on page 25-7 — Convert some or all of your source code files to a
  content-obscured form called a P-code file (from its .p file extension), and distribute
  your application code in this format. When MATLAB P-codes a file, the file is
  obfuscated not encrypted. While the content in a .p file is difficult to understand, it
  should not be considered secure. It is not recommended that you P-code files to
  protect your intellectual property.

MATLAB does not support converting live scripts or live functions to P-code files.

• Compile into binary format on page 25-8 — Compile your source code files using the
  MATLAB Compiler to produce a standalone application. Distribute the latter to end
  users of your application.

Building a Content Obscured Format with P-Code

A P-code file behaves the same as the MATLAB source from which it was produced. The P-

code file also runs at the same speed as the source file. P-code files are purposely

obfuscated. They are not encrypted. While the content in a .p file is difficult to

understand, it should not be considered secure. It is not recommended that you P-code

files to protect your intellectual property.

NoteBecause users of P-code files cannot view the MATLAB code, consider providing

diagnostics to enable a user to proceed in the event of an error.

Building the P-Code File

To generate a P-code file, enter the following command in the MATLAB Command

Window:

pcode file1 file2, ...

The command produces the files, file1.p, file2.p, and so on. To convert all .m source

files residing in your current folder to P-code files, use the command:

Protect Your Source Code