Decompiling Extensions - Serious Issue

Decompiling Extensions

When you download extensions, they are in an AIX file. However, to make extensions, you code the extension into Java. Some extension developers are generous to provide the Java source code (make it Open Source, or OS), but not everyone will provide users the source code because of different reasons, such as copyright issues. Nevertheless, the AIX file is provided free.

However, experienced hackers download these AIX files. They turn the free AIX files into Java code, then sell them as 'their own extension'. Yes, there is a way to turn AIX into Java, but this is a serious issue, both illegal and unethical. The files are the work of extension developers - they work hard to make extensions to the public, but users still turn them into Java code and sell them second-handedly.

Consequences

According to the Hong Kong SAR of People's Republic Of China Government, those who commit copyright piracy, such as making of or possession of infringing articles for trade or business, may be subject to a term of imprisonment of up to four years and a maximum fine of HK$50,000 (≈ 6451.6 USD) per infringing article. This applies to source code.

Decompiling and copying source codes without the permission of the developer is both unethical and illegal, no matter if you are in the US, India or anywhere. We do not want to see these behaviours in our community. Although we have some extension developers who likes to make their extensions open source, some do not because of different reasons. It's not fair if hackers decompile the extensions, because extension developers work hard to make extensions for you. Imagine working a month for only 1 extension.

If you are the one who hacked extensions, you should stop and learn Java to make extensions yourself. You can ask in the Open Source Development + Extensions Development section in the MIT App Inventor commuity, search in Stack Overflow or Android Developers.