>>>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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>>Wait! Take a step back. I'm not talking about trying to spec out a specific project. I need the kind of statistic that Dataquest or International Data Corp throws around. The kind of number you see on a business plan for an unborn software company when they are roughly trying to estimate what a 5-million line software project will cost them.
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>>So far, the estimates I have found are from $50 to $200 per line, with the "average" being $100.
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>It depends on what language you are using, what platform you are developing for, and what area of the country you are in. There isn't just one dollar amount that can be applied across the board.


I am trying to think of any use for such information, cost per line of code. I can not think of any; Can anyone else? The original question does not lend itself to metrics which can be measured in the scale requested. For example, I want you to give me the price of a car that I will have U build for me. Well, What type of car, how many seats, what size engine, what color, what options, ...etc. U get the idea... I usally use this analogy when describing to clients why we need a scope of work document. In the past, I have envisioned a Yugo and the client expected a Lexus. Steve