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Bytecode Viewer VS PE Explorer

Compare Bytecode Viewer VS PE Explorer and see what are their differences

Bytecode Viewer logo Bytecode Viewer

A Java 8 Jar & Android APK Reverse Engineering Suite (Decompiler, Editor, Debugger & More)

PE Explorer logo PE Explorer

EXE Editor, Resource Editor, Disassembler, Section Editor, Dependency Scanner, Quick Function Syntax Lookup. Analyze win32 executable files, including headers, procedures, and libraries. Edit icon resources and more.
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  • PE Explorer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-02

PE Explorer is a feature-rich and budget priced set of tools for those whose daily work involves reverse engineering of software and exploiting code, source code reviews, testing and evaluation of vulnerabilities with a very strong emphasis on peeking inside EXE applications and DLL packages.

PE Explorer leaves you with only minimal work to do in order to get an analysis of a piece of software. Once you have selected the file you wish to examine, PE Explorer will analyze the file and display a summary of the PE header information, and all of the resources contained in the PE file. From here, the tool allows you to explore the specific elements within an executable file. Target file structure can be analyzed and optimized, problems diagnosed, changes made, resources repaired, assembly source code reconstructed.

With PE Explorer, software engineers and security specialists can apply a professional approach to research of binary files. PE Explorer utilizes a qualitative algorithm designed to reconstruct the assembly language source code of target binary files (EXE, DLL, OCX) with the highest degree of accuracy possible. The product also allows you to remove both debugging information and the base relocation table from an executable, as well as view and edit the various section headers. PE Explorer includes a host of unique features, including the ability to open problem executable files and edit the hidden data that the other editors simply cannot see, an unparalleled range of supported resource types, automatic UPX unpacking, adding of modern Windows control styles to older applications, support for custom plug-ins, and more.

Bytecode Viewer

Pricing URL
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$ Details
Platforms
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Release Date
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Bytecode Viewer features and specs

  • Comprehensive Toolset
    Bytecode Viewer offers an integrated suite of tools including a decompiler, disassembler, debugger, and analytics tool, which allows for a thorough inspection and analysis of Java bytecode within a single application.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The tool is designed with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of navigating and analyzing bytecode, even for users who may not have extensive experience in reverse engineering.
  • Multiple Decompiler Engines
    Bytecode Viewer supports multiple decompiler engines like CFR, Fernflower, Procyon, and others, allowing users to choose the best-suited one for their specific needs and preferences.
  • Cross-Platform
    The application is built to run on multiple platforms, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, due to its Java-based nature, ensuring accessibility for users on different operating systems.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source software, Bytecode Viewer allows users to contribute to its development, customize features, and inspect the source code to more deeply understand its workings.

Possible disadvantages of Bytecode Viewer

  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, particularly with large files or projects, which can lead to slower analysis and increased resource usage.
  • Limited Support for Other Languages
    While Bytecode Viewer excels with Java and Android bytecode, it doesn't support other programming languages, which might limit its utility for developers working in diverse environments.
  • Complexity for Beginners
    Despite its user-friendly interface, the complex nature of bytecode and reverse engineering might overwhelm beginners without enough support or guidance within the tool itself.
  • Dependency on Java Environment
    Since Bytecode Viewer is Java-based, it requires a Java Runtime Environment to be installed and configured correctly, which might add an extra step for users who do not have Java set up.
  • Occasional Bugs
    As with many open-source projects, Bytecode Viewer can sometimes have bugs that might affect its stability or functionality, depending on its version and the system it's run on.

PE Explorer features and specs

  • Resource Editor
    Allows users to view and edit resources such as strings, bitmaps, and dialogs in executable files without needing the source code.
  • Disassembler
    Includes a disassembler feature that provides insights into the code structure, useful for reverse engineering and debugging.
  • Dependency Scanner
    Can analyze and list all the modules and libraries required by the executable, aiding in troubleshooting and ensuring all dependencies are met.
  • UPX Unpacker
    Supports unpacking files compressed with UPX, allowing for easier analysis of compressed executables.
  • User-friendly Interface
    Features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate graphical user interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Analysis of PE Explorer

Overall verdict

  • Overall, PE Explorer is highly regarded for its robust and versatile functionality, making it suitable for both professional and personal use in software development, reverse engineering, and malware analysis. However, its utility depends on the user's specific needs and technical proficiency.

Why this product is good

  • PE Explorer is considered a good tool for those who need to inspect and modify Windows executable files. It offers a wide range of features such as viewing and editing resources, disassembling, and analyzing the structure of executables. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface and comprehensive analysis capabilities, making it a popular choice for developers and reverse engineers.

Recommended for

  • Software developers looking to explore and modify executable files
  • Reverse engineers who need detailed insights into application internals
  • Security professionals analyzing potential malware or security vulnerabilities
  • Tech-savvy users interested in learning more about executable file structures

Bytecode Viewer videos

Bytecode Viewer Beta 1.5.3

PE Explorer videos

Raycity เปลี่ยนลายของSkinของตัวPatcherด้วย PE Explorer

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Bytecode Viewer and PE Explorer)
IDE
35 35%
65% 65
Development
100 100%
0% 0
Software Development
0 0%
100% 100
Decompiler
42 42%
58% 58

Questions and Answers

As answered by people managing Bytecode Viewer and PE Explorer.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

PE Explorer's answer:

  • Microsoft
  • Apple
  • Adobe
  • Symantec

How would you describe your primary audience?

PE Explorer's answer:

  • Security professionals
  • Reverse engineers
  • Developers
  • Antivirus and forensic specialists

What makes your product unique?

PE Explorer's answer:

PE Explorer includes a host of unique features, including the ability to open problem executable files and edit the hidden data that the other editors simply cannot see.

User comments

Share your experience with using Bytecode Viewer and PE Explorer. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Bytecode Viewer seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Bytecode Viewer mentions (2)

  • CandyPixel - Known Information Wanted Please.
    If you do use this plugin I'd recommend also using https://bytecodeviewer.com/ to check the supposed malicious lines of code. Source: over 3 years ago
  • A response from r/AskReddit. Are we even surprised?
    Take a look at tools like this one to get an idea of what you can actually get: https://bytecodeviewer.com/. Source: over 3 years ago

PE Explorer mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of PE Explorer yet. Tracking of PE Explorer recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Bytecode Viewer and PE Explorer, you can also consider the following products

APK Editor Studio - APK Editor Studio is an open-source Android application editor that allows you to edit APKs with the help of reverse engineering.

Resource Hacker - Resource Hacker has been designed to be the complete resource editing tool.

JADX - JADX is a decompilation tool that can produce Java Source code from Dex and Apk files, being capable of providing human-readable java classes, it reverses AndroidManifest.

Universal Extractor 2 - Universal Extractor 2 is an unofficial updated and extended version of the original UniExtract by...

APK Studio - APK Studio is an open-source Integrated Development Environment that allows you to recompile and decompile Android applications with its unified interface.

IDA - The best-of-breed binary code analysis tool, an indispensable item in the toolbox of world-class software analysts, reverse engineers, malware analyst and cybersecurity professionals.