CFR vs Hiew

CFR is a free Java decompiler that reconstructs Java source from Java class files. It can process individual named classes, classes found on a classpath, or a whole JAR, and the command-line tool can place output in a chosen directory with the --outputdir option. Decompilation behavior can be adjusted through command-line options or an options file. The maker says CFR handles many features from Java 9, 12, and 14, and it can attempt class files from other JVM languages; those are rendered as Java rather than their original language. CFR is written in Java 6 and is said to run wherever Java 6 does. It is available as a downloadable JAR, through Maven, and from GitHub. The FAQ notes an API from version 0.135, and the project repository identifies the license as MIT. CFR handles bytecode rather than native code. Its maker also notes that some inputs fall into edge cases where output may be poor. There are no paid plans or usage limits stated.

Hiew is a Windows console program for viewing and editing files of unlimited size in text, hex, and disassembler modes. Its maker describes it as a classic since 1991. Disassembly includes x86-64 with AVX instruction support and an ArmV6 disassembler. Listed executable formats include NE, LE, LX, PE/PE32+, little-endian ELF and ELF64, Mach-O, and TE/TE64. Users can follow direct calls and jumps with a click and search instruction patterns in disassembler mode. Other listed capabilities include block operations, multi-file search and replace, keyboard macros, Unicode and UTF-8, binary templates, scripting, disk editing, plugins, and HEM modules. The free demo omits editing, crypt, assembler, 64-bit and ARM disassembly, drive support, keyboard macros, and HEM support, among other restrictions. The single-version license costs $25 as a one-time purchase with no updates. Lifetime updates cost $249 as a one-time purchase; Hiewix 32-bits costs $59, paid once with free 1-year updates.