@netbuddyOct 06.2006 — #Yes you can get them, Zend sell them.
I have yet to come across a free obfuscator for PHP.
If your scripts are obfuscated and uploaded to your host, all they need to do is run it through a copy of the obfuscation software and bingo they can see your script.
Obfuscation is a tool that can be used to protect your scripts if they run on for example corporate servers where your script is being used as an interface / application for that company, that is the only time it is if use, keeping prying eyes away from sensitive routines, but again, they only need to have an obfusctor themselves and they will be able to read your code.
So in the long run, its not really going to help you.
Just like javascrip obfuscation, comes a point where you have to say "*uck it" and them let go, yes its been a hard long slog getting your script written and you dont want your works plagerised, stolen, copied etc.