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Everything about Executable compression

Means of compressing an executable file

Executable compression is any means of compressing an executable file and combining the compressed data with decompression code into a single executable. When this compressed executable is executed, the decompression code recreates the original code from the compressed code before executing it. In most cases this happens transparently so the compressed executable can be used in exactly the same way as the original. Executable compressors are often referred to as executable packers, runtime packers, software packers, software protectors, or even "polymorphic packers" and "obfuscating tools". Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Executable compressionA 5-minute orientation
  2. Pick up a classic book: Machine code optimization - improving executable object codeThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  3. Go sideways: UPXA closely related topic
  4. Go sideways: Disk compressionA closely related topic

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🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Advantages and disadvantages
  2. List of executable packers

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