CFR vs Smali/Baksmali
CFR
benf.orgSmali/Baksmali
github.comSide by side
| Figure | CFR | Smali/Baksmali |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Reverse Engineering Tools | 8.2 (#10) | 7.3 (#39) |
| License | The maker’s FAQ directs users to the project README for its license; the project repository identifies the license as MIT. | The build configuration identifies the project license as BSD 3-Clause. |
| Purpose | CFR is a Java decompiler that converts Java class files back into Java source. | smali/baksmali assembles and disassembles the dex format used by Dalvik, Android's Java VM implementation. |
| Support | The maker invites users to email reports of problems and directs bug reports to the GitHub issue tracker. | The README directs bug reports, issues, and feature requests to the GitHub issue tracker and mentions the #smali Freenode channel for questions, with no expectation of an instant response. |
Plans
In their own words
CFR
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.
Smali/Baksmali
Smali/Baksmali has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.