Python Obfuscation: From Readable to Untraceable

The Challenge: Protecting Python Source Code

I’ve been building a custom obfuscator that goes beyond simple variable renaming by transforming code into a virtualized and encrypted state using AST manipulation.

I wanted to share a quick "Before and After" to show how dramatic the transformation is.

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1. The "Before" (Source)

Here is a standard Python script. It's clean, readable, and easy to reverse-engineer.

print("Hello world")

x = 10
y = x + 5
z = (y * 2) - x 

print("Result:", z)

2. The Transformation

Using a custom engine, I put the code through several layers of protection:

• AST Minification & Variable Renaming
• String Encryption & Number Mangling
• Control Flow Flattening
• Virtualization (VM Generation)

3. The "After" (Obfuscated)

The logic is now running inside a custom virtual machine layer. You can see the full obfuscated output in the Gist below:

Final Thoughts

While no obfuscation is 100% unbreakable, virtualization makes reverse engineering significantly more difficult and time-consuming.

What do you think? Is the performance hit worth the extra layer of protection, or is this just a lot of work for 'security through obscurity'?