>>I would like to know the average cost per line of code for a softare company. I'm referring specifically to debugged, documented, optimized software deployed in a commercial product. Thanks!
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>I don't think it's that linear! Usually the cost is based on time.
>Besides, with visual tools, there's lot of work that doesn't include a single line of code typed.

Correct, The best U can do is an estimated hourly rate. Roughly between $60 - $100 in the Philadelphia Area. U could create an average based on time and tasks. For example, A system will require a total effort of 300 Hours. How will the hours be broken down into tasks? 100 Analysis & Design, 100 Development, 50 Testing/Debugging and 50 Documentation. Of course this formula can vary depending upon the complexity of the job. Does documentation mean, In-Code, System, User and On-Line Help documentation. Well, then more hours would be necessary for documentation. It depends upon the system requirements. I highly recommend getting a system requirement/scope of work document completed and signed off by the client before beginning any work. I have been bitten by the scope creep bug many times over the past couple of years. One of these days I will follow what I preach. Steve

Steve Medvid
Systems Analyst

Environmental Resource Management