What potential pitfalls should be considered when using ionCube-encoded modules with PHP?

When using ionCube-encoded modules with PHP, potential pitfalls to consider include compatibility issues with different PHP versions, limited portability across different server environments, and potential security concerns if the encoded files are not properly secured. It is important to ensure that the ionCube loader is installed and configured correctly on the server to avoid any runtime errors.

// Ensure ionCube loader is installed and configured correctly
if (!extension_loaded('ionCube Loader')) {
    echo 'Please make sure ionCube Loader is installed and configured correctly.';
    // Handle error or display appropriate message
}