Pros of ILMerge

• Combines multiple .NET assemblies into a single assembly
• Preserves strong naming and digital signatures
• Supports merging assemblies targeting different .NET Framework versions

Cons of ILMerge

• Does not provide code obfuscation
• May encounter issues with complex dependencies or certain reflection scenarios
• Limited support for newer .NET Core and .NET 5+ projects

Code Comparison

Obfuscar configuration example:

<Obfuscator>
  <Var name="InPath" value=".\Input" />
  <Var name="OutPath" value=".\Output" />
  <Module file="$(InPath)\MyAssembly.dll" />
</Obfuscator>

ILMerge usage example:

ILMerging.ILMerge merge = new ILMerging.ILMerge();
merge.SetInputAssemblies(new string[] { "MainAssembly.dll", "Dependency1.dll", "Dependency2.dll" });
merge.OutputFile = "MergedAssembly.dll";
merge.Merge();

While Obfuscar focuses on obfuscating .NET assemblies to protect intellectual property, ILMerge is primarily used for combining multiple assemblies into a single file. Obfuscar provides better protection against reverse engineering, while ILMerge simplifies deployment and reduces the number of files in a .NET application. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as the need for code protection versus assembly consolidation.

Pros of de4dot

• Specializes in deobfuscation, making it more effective for reverse engineering
• Supports a wider range of obfuscators and protection techniques
• Actively maintained with regular updates and community contributions

Cons of de4dot

• Primarily focused on .NET assemblies, limiting its use for other platforms
• May require more technical expertise to use effectively
• Can potentially be detected by advanced anti-tampering mechanisms

Code Comparison

de4dot (deobfuscation):

var deobfuscator = new DeobfuscatorInfo();
var options = new DeobfuscatorOptions();
var module = ModuleDefMD.Load(inputFile);
deobfuscator.DeobfuscateBegin(module, options);

Obfuscar (obfuscation):

var obfuscator = Obfuscator.CreateFromXml(configFile);
var assembly = AssemblyDefinition.ReadAssembly(inputFile);
obfuscator.Obfuscate(assembly);
assembly.Write(outputFile);

Summary

de4dot is a powerful tool for deobfuscating .NET assemblies, offering support for various obfuscation techniques. It's particularly useful for reverse engineering and analysis. On the other hand, Obfuscar focuses on obfuscating .NET assemblies to protect intellectual property. While de4dot excels in deobfuscation, it may require more technical knowledge and is limited to .NET platforms. Obfuscar provides a simpler approach to code protection but may not be as comprehensive in its obfuscation techniques.

Pros of ConfuserEx

• More active development and recent updates
• Supports a wider range of obfuscation techniques, including control flow obfuscation
• Better integration with modern .NET frameworks

Cons of ConfuserEx

• More complex configuration and setup process
• May introduce runtime overhead due to advanced obfuscation techniques
• Potentially higher risk of breaking functionality in complex applications

Code Comparison

ConfuserEx configuration (project file):

<project outputDir="." baseDir="." xmlns="http://confuser.codeplex.com">
  <module path="MyAssembly.dll">
    <rule pattern="true" inherit="false">
      <protection id="anti tamper" />
      <protection id="constants" />
    </rule>
  </module>
</project>

Obfuscar configuration:

<?xml version='1.0'?>
<Obfuscator>
  <Var name="InPath" value="." />
  <Var name="OutPath" value=".\Obfuscated" />
  <Module file="$(InPath)\MyAssembly.dll" />
</Obfuscator>

Both tools offer .NET assembly obfuscation, but ConfuserEx provides more advanced features and customization options, while Obfuscar focuses on simplicity and ease of use. ConfuserEx is better suited for complex projects requiring extensive protection, while Obfuscar may be preferable for simpler applications or those prioritizing minimal configuration.

Pros of Fody

• More versatile, offering a wide range of plugins for various IL weaving tasks
• Actively maintained with frequent updates and a larger community
• Supports both .NET Framework and .NET Core projects

Cons of Fody

• Steeper learning curve due to its plugin-based architecture
• May introduce more complexity to the build process
• Potential for conflicts between plugins or with other build tools

Code Comparison

Fody (using the Virtuosity plugin):

[assembly: Fody.Virtuosity]

public class Example
{
    public void Method() { }
}

Obfuscar (configuration file):

<Obfuscator>
  <Var name="InPath" value=".\bin\Release" />
  <Var name="OutPath" value=".\obfuscated" />
  <Module file="$(InPath)\MyAssembly.dll" />
</Obfuscator>

Summary

Fody is a more comprehensive IL weaving solution with a plugin ecosystem, while Obfuscar focuses specifically on code obfuscation. Fody offers greater flexibility but may be more complex to set up and use. Obfuscar is simpler and more focused on its specific task. The choice between them depends on the project's needs and the developer's familiarity with IL weaving concepts.