前几天在新闻组看到一个可将PHP程序编译成可执行文件的工具（Roadsend Compiler for PHP），目前还仅仅支持LINUX，估计不久的将来也会支持FreeBSD、Windows等平台。
编译成可执行文件后的优点就可想而之了，执行速度将大幅度提升，并可有效的保护PHP代码。
下面是一些英文资料，懒得翻译了，更多信息请查看官方网站Roadsend.com，有兴趣的朋友可以下载一个试用版玩玩。
The Roadsend Compiler offers a new, commercially supported implementation of the PHP language. It retains the powerful features that long-time PHP developers are used to, while offering significant advantages over the open source implementation to now make PHP a truly viable alternative to other compiled languages.
With the Roadsend Compiler, developers can create native stand alone applications, libraries and web applications that require no interpreter. Because the Roadsend Compiler is compatible with open source PHP 4.3.7, existing code may be used in compiled products.