Converting a TKN file back to a .bas file

[xxgeek]

First let me state I am not looking for any instructions, or links to instructions on how to do this.

There are a few threads that mention encryption, and the desire to encrypt files to avoid hackers getting a hold of the original basic code.

Is it really that easy?
Does anyone know of a TKN file ever being cracked successfully?

I'm just curious, and want to know if a TKN is fairly safe from exploitation.
Or if putting a strong password on the created TKN file would suffice.

[Rod]

A .tkn is really just the compiled (to small talk) .bas program. It is not a strong encryption by any means but it has been adopted as a useful way to keep your program secure for distribution. If you need better security you do need to wrap up the package with a better encryption process. However few folks seem to get that far, I am not sure just how many commercial programs we have in circulation. There are a good few but folks also hide the origins of the program when commercial distribution happens.

The .tkn does however allow the distribution of lots of non commercial programs whilst protecting Carls Liberty BASIC core software. So there are two things to protect, the programmers intellectual property and Carl’s intellectual property.

I know you are not trying to discuss reverse engineering as such discussions are taboo here. So this is the limit of the thread.

[xxgeek]

Thanks Rod

Since I don't make any money off writing programs I don't worry about hackers myself.
Source files will be safe enough as a tkn, and a password on the tkn will suffice.

[mknarr]

Boy I wish there was a way. Years ago I wrote a math intensive program and somehow lost the bas program. I don't even have the formulas any more since they were remarked out in the program. I've look every were, through every backup and no joy and I have three backups of everything.

[Rod]

I am not even sure if the remarks are actually carried over to the .tkn. Would be worth checking all your .bak folders. It’s amazing what you can find in there.

[mknarr]

I have backups in four places including "old" backups and not there. On top of that, there never was a tkn but the exe was created with LBB.