How can I restrict any developer from using my created static library?

Question

I have created one static library in iPhone sdk, and I am worried that If I provide code to anyone in which static library is being used, then anyone can use static library. So Is there any way to restrict them by using library until they get license? I am new to licensing any library.

Answer 1

This is a problem you must solve by legal means, not by any technical solution.

Make sure to only give the library to people you trust, and if needed have them sign an agreement not to spread it.

Also ask yourself if it is worth the trouble. Is your code so unique that they can not find it elsewhere, or duplicate it themselves in a few days, using Google and stackoverflow alone?

Answer 2

As said by @PeyloW,

This is a problem you must solve by legal means, not by any technical solution.

But there are some simple ways to "block the code": You can create a RAR or ZIP archive, encrypted with password, and after they get license, you can tell them the password.

Answer 3

If you want to "Bind" license to a "developer's computer", than you simply need something that you can bind. For example that can be the emulator's UDID.

you can generate a license for emulator's UDID, and only limit emulator development, while allowing unrestricted access for ARM code (on device)

• so you can basically check for emulator UDID
• check license file
• if license file allows that UDID, run
• if not then show a message etc

for development purposes, everybody needs emulator, so I guess limiting it is enough for you.