Using ionCube encoded and secured PHP (Anti-Hacking Protection) files requires a file called the ionCube Loader 10.3 + to be installed on the web server and made available to PHP.
ionCube is a widely used PHP extension for
running to protected PHP code, website security and malware
blocking.
PHP can use the Loader with one line added to a PHP configuration file (php.ini)
https://opencart.tips/why-we-use-ioncube-and-what-it-does
For example:
http://yourdomain/test.php
For example:
http://yourdomain/ioncube/loader-wizard.php
Opencart has two php.ini files!
php.ini in the main category and another one in the admin category