A run-only script contains the script’s compiled bytecode but does not contain the further information needed to decompile and display it. A run-only script is typically used as a way of distributing a script so that other users can run the script but cannot view or modify the script’s source code.
To save a script as run-only:
The resulting Save dialog contains the same format options as for an ordinary compiled script or application.
It also contains a checkbox, “Make Bundled Scripts Run-Only”. This is useful in cases where you’ve added extra scripts to a script bundle or application bundle. If you don’t check it, the bundle’s main script will be saved as run-only, but the extra scripts in the bundle will not be.
A run-only script cannot be read or edited ever again, even by you, its creator! This is why Script Debugger implements this feature as a form of export. After exporting as run-only, your original script is unaffected (and therefore remains editable). If you edit your original script and you wish to propagate the changes to the run-only version of the script, export it again.