Reply to: Providing sample code....

[threaded]

Yeah, that's why I take something physical to show the results of my efforts.

[Jabberwocky]

Once many years ago I was set a programming task for a permie
position at a consultancy. I coded the thing up in Prolog since it was
a rule-based problem and took along my laptop with the code. It was
quite a nice demo I thought - but they subsequently reduced their offer
and wanted to know why I didn't code it in C++.

[BlasterBates]

As a general rule I find however well designed software is, it is almost always sh*te if it wasn't written by whoever is looking at it.

I wouldn't bother taking any examples of coding, I think you're more likely to shoot yourself in the foot than impress, or if you do get someone to look to verify you've done something impressive.

[threaded]

Oh I will keep a backup/copy if they ask me too, or I ask. Yet these circumstances are only where I am in some way still associated with the client.

[zathras]

I don't even keep a backup if it don't belong to me. Had an occasion where one client was most perturbed with me that I didn't as their CVS went bellyup and they had no backup.

As part of my IR35 defence I've helped clients post contract (in the interests of repeat business) and so have kept copies. I don't charge for it either if all it is is a quick call on the dog and bone.

I keep a setup at my own offices that allows me to duplicate a lot of a clients setup making such offsite working practical.

[threaded]

You mean you have nothing you developed off your own back?

That's what I use and make clear to the (potential) client that the IP of previouse clients software is their own and therefore you feel that it would not be right to use it for any purposes other than back-up.

I don't even keep a backup if it don't belong to me. Had an occasion where one client was most perturbed with me that I didn't as their CVS went bellyup and they had no backup. Pointed out it was in the contract that I wasn't to take any software offsite. Had another client who wanted a copy of a model of some previous client and when I suggested that they just ask them they were most reluctant.

Nowt so queer as folk, as long as they sign the timesheets I don't dwell on it.

[zathras]

Ok, now we've all done it... taken a crafty copy of our glorious code after hours of fighting 'The System', and despite all the obstacles, created a masterpiece that not only works, but has that 'winning look that weapons have' (cant remember the German phrase).

So, potential employer asks for samples of my code... do I sanitise work that is technically owned by another client, or try to think of a sample project from scratch...? (by monday).

You mean you have nothing you developed off your own back?

That's what I use and make clear to the (potential) client that the IP of previouse clients software is their own and therefore you feel that it would not be right to use it for any purposes other than back-up.

[VectraMan]

I think if somebody came to an interview waving code developed for another client, my conclusion would be that this is not somebody you want to be trusting with your intellectual property.

[Churchill]

No one seems to ask me for anything! No code, no references, nothing!

Do you think it might have something to do with your mad staring eyeballs and the fact that your head is on fire?

That and the fact that you never get an interview?

[expat]

rare syndromw

either he wants you for your programming talent to
do good work for him, or he wants to rip off what you
have done for other people
Milan.

I find I'm starting to agree with Milan from time to time.

Maybe I need a holiday?

[boredsenseless]

I've been interviewed and interviewed others many many times.

I've never been asked this, and I'd never ask it

If I wanted to know how good you are at coding I'd

a) ask for references
b) give you an on the spot coding test
c) give you a trial and fire your @rse if you are sh1t

Bringing in sample code, let me guess he probably also said something like

Can you bring a sample of your work showing how you would address the following situation....


Warning - its illegal to take work that you did under someone else's IPR. It's also probably commercially sensitive. If the hiring manager is so thick as to not understand this I wouldn't want to work for him anyway.

It's a sellers market out there again so sell don't be dictated to!

[threaded]

I point potential clients to the online systems I've created. Also have all sorts of gadgets I've designed that I sometimes take along.

Favourite with the clients is the GPS/GSM car alarm I built used in conjunction with a PDA/mobile phone I also designed, running some software I wrote, to show my path on a map to the clients and where I'm currently parked in the car park.

Blows their minds!

[Bovvered]

Ok, now we've all done it... taken a crafty copy of our glorious code after hours of fighting 'The System', and despite all the obstacles, created a masterpiece that not only works, but has that 'winning look that weapons have' (cant remember the German phrase).

So, potential employer asks for samples of my code... do I sanitise work that is technically owned by another client, or try to think of a sample project from scratch...? (by monday).

No way I'd give out code that belongs to someone else, even if I'd written it!

Luckily I have my own product online; which tends to impress

[milanbenes]

feck's sake lads, does it really matter ?

does this bloke want you to write code, or does he simply
want to get code you developed for previous clients that
he can re-use free of charge

sounds like he is taking the peas to me

either he wants you for your programming talent to
do good work for him, or he wants to rip off what you
have done for other people

bloke sounds like a caaaaaaaaaaaaant

Milan.

[mcquiggd]

Ive always had the grand idea of setting up a website with a password protected area that allows people I sanction to view the actual code in use...

Sadly, time is tight, and theres always ANOTHER trendy bar or restaurant thats just opened... sigh.