Code Virtualizer vs ProGuard

Code Virtualizer is a code-protection tool for developers seeking to make selected application, library, or driver code harder to reverse engineer. It transforms x86, x64, or ARM64 instructions into virtual opcodes interpreted by an internal virtual machine; each protected application receives its own opcodes and machine. It supports native PE, ELF, and Mach-O files, including executables, services, DLLs, shared objects, and device drivers. Developers mark protected sections with macros from VirtualizerSDK.h. Listed capabilities include multiple virtual machines, code relocation, an advanced mutation engine, and command-line protection. The maker says the product works with any compressor or protector. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. A demo is available but cannot be registered; it offers light virtualization, omits string encryption, mutate macros, and compressed virtual machines, and adds a demo splash screen. The Developer License (x86/x64) costs €199 as a one-time purchase, and other licenses are listed for different developer counts and ARM64 use. Purchases include one year of updates and email support.

ProGuard is a free, open-source command-line tool for shrinking Java bytecode and optimizing code. It processes Java class files by removing unused classes, fields, methods, attributes, and instructions, then renaming remaining classes, fields, and methods with short meaningless names. It also preverifies code, producing smaller and faster applications and libraries. Guardsquare describes ProGuard as suitable for Java and Kotlin apps in mobile, embedded, and desktop environments. Build setup is documented for Android Gradle, Java or Kotlin Gradle, Ant, and Maven projects, and Android's default shrinker, R8, is compatible with ProGuard configuration. ProGuard Playground lets developers experiment with and share keep rules without rebuilding an app. ProGuardCORE is a separate free, open-source library for reading, writing, analyzing, and processing Java bytecode, including Kotlin metadata. Library jars or equivalent paths must be specified as inputs, and ProGuard leaves those libraries unchanged. Code called dynamically through reflection may need to be declared as an entry point in configuration. ProGuard runs on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.