_GetSavedSource() - Retrieve the saved source file from an AutoIt exe.

[guinness]

I agree, if you want to protect your script then don't include it as a resource. Also, I can't do anything with encrypting it or such like, as this only extracts it after compiling, that would be a question for AutoItWrapper.

Edited October 24, 2012 by guinness

[Tlem]

Great idea, but there is two thing that disturb me.

1st, we must always include your UDF and a big external UDF that add about 300ko of code in compilation to only have the source code of the script.

2nd, we can not easily retrieve external include or other resources used in script.

Why not doing it simple and add something like this on the top of the script :

If StringInStr($CmdLineRaw, '/SaveSource') Then
     DirCreate("Sources")
     FileInstall("MyScript.au3", "./Sources/MyScript.au3", 1)
     FileInstall("MyScript.ico", "./Sources/MyScript.ico", 1)
     FileInstall("File_1.au3", "./Sources/File_1.au3", 1)
     FileInstall("File_2.dll", "./Sources/File_2.dll", 1)
     FileInstall("_External_Include.au3", "./Sources/_External_Include.au3", 1)
EndIf

When you write a code, generally you take time to add comments, or functions presentation or other things that make your script easier to read or understand later. Thus, you can usre a snip like this and change the filenames when you write your code. With this, you can easily restore all your work : external includes, resources and what you want to retrieve. I have noticed that even if you FileInstall a same file several times, the size of the compiled script doesn't increase. Then why to go without this kind of thing. ^^

It's not more complex than adding a function to do it, it's just one habits to take and a security for those how have problem with project backup ...

[guinness]

OK.

[JScript]

@TIem

Your example is quite valid and I also use this way, but here he gave a solution to what is already native AutoitWrapper...

JS

Edited October 24, 2012 by JScript

[Jos]

Wouldn't it be easier, when using the AutoIt3Wrapper directive, to have a separate script to extract the saved source?

Something like:

#include <resources.au3>
Const $RCData = 10
Global $Source
$ExeFile = "autoitscript.exe"
If FileExists($ExeFile) Then
    $Manifest = _ResourceGetAsString(999,10,2057,$ExeFile)
    ConsoleWrite('@@ Debug(' & @ScriptLineNumber & ') : $Manifest = ' & $Manifest & @crlf & '>Error code: ' & @error & @crlf) ;### Debug Console
EndIf

Edited October 24, 2012 by Jos

[Tlem]

@JScript

I understand, but I think that in the beginning this option was added for "securely" save your script easily an retrieve it with ResHacker. ^^

Edited October 24, 2012 by Tlem

[guinness]

I'm not quite following? It was just a simple example I thought I would share.

Edited October 24, 2012 by guinness

[Jos]

I understand, but I think that in the beginning this option was added for "securely" save your script easily an retrieve it with ResHacker. ^^

Not securely, just a copy of the main source, or in case Obfuscator is used the total source used in the compiled script.

Jos

Edited October 24, 2012 by Jos

[Tlem]

Of course Jos. The word securely was quoted intentionally.

I know that in reality it was just an easy backup of code.

[JScript]

I am big supporter of Open Source: "save the source along with the program is wonderful especially in case of loss of the same!"

Thank you Jos for the wrapper option and guinness to this wonderful UDF!

JS

[IanN1990]

Does this function still work if a exe is complied with UPX?

Because when i first tryed it. I get this

CÃARìà

áw†Oc®w4TÒ aè

Seams i cant copy-paste it ^^ but lots of random letters and text in black borders

When i turn UPX off, it works fine but the exes are triple the size

Edited February 11, 2013 by IanN1990

[guinness]

No, because UPX compresses the executable, though honestly I don't use UPX for obvious reasons.

[IanN1990]

what are the obvious reasons? as if its bad, how comes it on by default?

[guinness]

I knew you would ask that, so in the interim I went searching around the Internet, which I take it you did as well? So perhaps you came across this in your travels >> http://stackoverflow.com/questions/353634/are-there-any-downsides-to-using-upx-to-compress-a-windows-executable

[IanN1990]

Looks like i will be leaving UFX off in all my furture coding then Thanks for the fast replys

[guinness]

You're welcome. I think you meant UPX.

[guinness]

Wouldn't it be easier, when using the AutoIt3Wrapper directive, to have a separate script to extract the saved source?

Something like:

#include <resources.au3>
Const $RCData = 10
Global $Source
$ExeFile = "autoitscript.exe"
If FileExists($ExeFile) Then
    $Manifest = _ResourceGetAsString(999,10,2057,$ExeFile)
    ConsoleWrite('@@ Debug(' & @ScriptLineNumber & ') : $Manifest = ' & $Manifest & @crlf & '>Error code: ' & @error & @crlf) ;### Debug Console
EndIf

Not everyone is using Resources.au3 by Zedna though. But this is a second approach of course.

[IanN1990]

Something just acured to me, and i thought i would share.

Saving your source inside a exe is not a full profit way to keep it safe. Any programing language, such as autoit, is susceptible to false postives "where the anti-virus would delete your exe".

So this is more, an extra step to help retain your source but shouldn't be your only way.

Keeping many backups of your .au3, in many locations (one being not on the same physical location) is always a smart move

Edited February 11, 2013 by IanN1990

[guinness]

This is why if you have an open source project you should use a third party hosting site e.g. GitHub or SF.net.

[guinness]

Updated the UDF by removing magic numbers.