Copying Code
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Question: Why should I hire a software engineer if I can just copy and paste code from the Internet (CP and other sites)? Answer: It is still worth the money. Because - - Copying code from Internet - $ 0 - Knowing which code to copy from Internet - $ 100000 / year - Understanding that copied code, and fixing it so that it works correctly, and passes all tests - $ 200000 / year - Maintaining that code - $ how much? :-)
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I also did some work as an Expert Witness in a "you copied our code" case. I was able to easily show that the allegedly copied code was actually quite different in structure and method even though it achieved the same end (there's more than one way to skin a cat). The interesting thing is that, to analyze the code, I was paid 5 times what I would have theoretically have been paid to actually write the code! :sigh: I wish I could have done this kind of job more often, it was quite interesting and I could have retired years ago! :doh:
- I would love to change the world, but they won’t give me the source code.
yes, but IP + market forces + "we dont think we'll get caught" = temptation Obviously there's a lot more to it, and a lot more techniques & considerations :)