The Ioncube Encoder is a command-line tool that encodes and encrypts PHP scripts using a proprietary algorithm. The encoded scripts can only be executed on servers that have the Ioncube Loader installed. The Ioncube Loader is a PHP extension that decrypts and executes the encoded scripts in memory, ensuring that the original code remains secure.

The Ioncube Encoder is a popular PHP encoding and encryption tool used to protect PHP scripts from unauthorized use, reverse engineering, and theft. Developed by Ioncube Ltd, the software has been widely adopted by PHP developers and web hosting companies to secure PHP applications.