C++: How to encrypt strings at compile time?

Question

I want to hide some strings in my .exe so people can\'t simply just open the .exe and look at all the strings there. I don\'t care about the strength of the encrypting metho

Answer 1

About the only way to do exactly what you suggest is to write a truly horrible macro. But here are some alternatives.

1. Store the encrypted strings in a data file.
2. Collect the strings in a single source file, then in the build, before actually compiling, go over it with a tool that will encrypt them (e.g. sed). You can automate this step.
3. Use a powerful editor so that you can encrypt/decrypt the strings effortlessly, while you work.