In
computer programming
Computer programming is the process of performing a particular computation (or more generally, accomplishing a specific computing result), usually by designing and building an executable computer program. Programming involves tasks such as ana ...
, a dumper is a program which copies data from one source (usually a proprietary
format
Format may refer to:
Printing and visual media
* Text formatting, the typesetting of text elements
* Paper formats, or paper size standards
* Newspaper format, the size of the paper page
Computing
* File format, particular way that informatio ...
) to another (usually in a more easily accessible format).
A dumper is a program that saves data from the computer's memory, usually from a foreign process (
program
Program, programme, programmer, or programming may refer to:
Business and management
* Program management, the process of managing several related projects
* Time management
* Program, a part of planning
Arts and entertainment Audio
* Progra ...
) to a (*.dmp)
file
File or filing may refer to:
Mechanical tools and processes
* File (tool), a tool used to ''remove'' fine amounts of material from a workpiece
**Filing (metalworking), a material removal process in manufacturing
** Nail file, a tool used to gent ...
. Often the process's memory is dumped automatically to disk if the program crashes. You may recover any unsaved data from this file or send it to the developer so he can investigate what caused the crash.
Another use of 'dumpers' can be dumping Windows Exe-files from memory after they have been unpacked/
decrypted for further analysis (in case of
malware
Malware (a portmanteau for ''malicious software'') is any software intentionally designed to cause disruption to a computer, server, client, or computer network, leak private information, gain unauthorized access to information or systems, depri ...
), or after unwrapping/unpacking certain security
envelope
An envelope is a common packaging item, usually made of thin, flat material. It is designed to contain a flat object, such as a letter or card.
Traditional envelopes are made from sheets of paper cut to one of three shapes: a rhombus, a shor ...
s. These security envelopes are applied by the developer or software vendor to 'protect' these applications.
Usually, a security envelope checks if the application has not been modified, if you are still on your evaluation period or if the original
CD is inserted before it unpacks and starts the application in memory. However, just dumping is not enough - because structures like the imported
API-Call were overwritten or intentionally
mangle
Mangle can refer to:
* Mangle (machine), a mechanical laundry aid consisting of two rollers
* Box mangle, an earlier laundry mangle using rollers and a heavy weight
* Mangled packet, in computing
* Mangrove, woody trees or shrubs
* Name mangling, ...
d by the protector at the start and need to be rebuilt to get a running executable.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dumper (Computer Program)
Data transmission