What is Zend Framework, Zend Optimizer and Zend Guard

Software framework is a concept created to assist in building applications which are practical and easily maintained. This is implemented by the framework through indicating general programming interfaces.

Zend Framework is an uncomplicated, open-source software framework for PHP 5. It is created to get rid of boring details of coding, so you can be free to concentrate on the project you are working on. It is very reliable, tested and properly supported. Zend Framework has the characteristics needed by web applications. It is made of classes and applies the principles of Object Oriented Programming and the most recent Web 2.0. One of its greatest advantages is modular Model-View-Controller design which facilitates the repeated usage and simple maintenance of your code.

Zend Optimizer is a free application able to execute the files encrypted by Zend Guard. The main function of Zend Optimizer is to improve the efficiency of PHP applications. It revises the code created by the conventional Zend run-time compiler and enhances it for faster performance. Besides, the Zend Optimizer makes it possible for PHP to load and run files encrypted by Zend Gurad. If a certain application uses Zend Optimizer, the execution of the scripts can be done 40% to 100% faster.

You have to know that files coded with Zend Guard must be made up with a matching version of Zend Guard. To be on the safe side you should use the most recent Zend Optimizer version. In case Zend Guard and Zend Optimizer versions are not matching, the Optimizer will not be able to execute encrypted files and the result will be an error message.

About 20 various optimizations, included very complex ones, could be implemented by the Zend Optimizer. An example of a simple optimization is the modification of post-incrementing to pre-incrementing, when possible, because pre-incrementing is faster than post-incrementing. You can choose which optimizations will be carried out. Moreover, each of them can be switched on and off. Some of the most complicated options are disabled with the most recent versions of Zend Optimizer with the purpose of enhancing efficiency.

Through encoding and complication Zend Guard protects your applications from unapproved customization and unlicensed use. It offers complete licensing support. Zend is the most steady and vigorous encoder existing at the moment. It is the only one offering protection for object oriented programs set up with PHP 4 or PHP 5.

Zend Guard permits protection and mass distribution of commercial PHP applications. It includes two major components, Zend Guard’s encoder and Zend Guard’s license manager. Zend Optimizer allows the software traders and IT managers to spread securely their PHP applications and provides protection to the source code. Zend Optimizer offers an alternative to IT managers to ban alterations of their internal PHP application source code in order for them to ensure adequate support. It also improves IP protection against patent violation through spreading applications without disclosing source code.

Zend Optimizer makes it possible for ISVs to use different licensing policies on commercial PHP applications. Traders can select from a wide range of licensing models, including time limited, server specific, simultaneous users, etc., thus making bigger profits.