Hiding/Obfuscating A Javascript Variable In The Source

Question

Let's say, for the sake of argument, I have a page with a progress bar that's advancing based on the number of times a certain hashtag has been tweeted on Twitter. This could be generated something like this:

tweets = <?php echo $tweetsfile->total; ?>;
target = <?php echo $target; ?>;
$('#progressbar').css('width', tweets / (target/100) + '%');

Supposing that it's undesirable for people to be able to look at the source code and see what the target number is. Is there a simple strategy for keeping this information from prying eyes?

You do know that by posting the answer here will defeat the purpose of your question? ;) — Mrchief
– Mrchief, Commented Jul 20, 2011 at 16:07
Serve the width from the server end and then use an ajax call to get the value. — Chandu
– Chandu, Commented Jul 20, 2011 at 16:07
you can minify your javascript code, but anybody with a bit of knowledge can reverse the minification/obfuscation (javascript is executed client side and needs to be transferred). the variable will not have its original name, but the used formula will still be the same, so guessing of the original variable is not all that difficult — knittl
– knittl, Commented Jul 20, 2011 at 16:09
"Let's say, for the sake of argument, I have a page with a progress bar". No you haven't! — James
– James, Commented Jul 20, 2011 at 19:41

helloandre · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-20 16:08:31Z

2

instead of doing the calculation client side, do it server side.

$('#progressbar').css('width', <?php echo ($tweetsfile->total / ($target/100)); ?> + '%');

answered Jul 20, 2011 at 16:08

helloandre

10.8k9 gold badges50 silver badges64 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

thesunneversets Over a year ago

Doh, yes! So simple really. Some days I just can't see the wood for the trees...

Paul S. · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-20 16:07:11Z

1

You can simply compute the percentage serverside (php) and not clientside.

$progress = ($tweets / ($target/100));

And output only $progress, which will be the percentage.

$('#progressbar').css('width', $progress + '%');

answered Jul 20, 2011 at 16:07

Paul S.

1,5479 silver badges13 bronze badges

Comments

Jonathan M · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-20 16:11:05Z

0

Try just calculating the percentage in php:

progressPercent = <?php echo (100 * $tweetsfile->total / $target); ?>;
$('#progressbar').css('width', progressPercent + '%');

answered Jul 20, 2011 at 16:11

Jonathan M

17.5k9 gold badges61 silver badges95 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Hiding/Obfuscating A Javascript Variable In The Source

3 Answers 3

1 Comment

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

1 Comment

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related