Greetings,

I think it is reasonable and common for someone to want to look at your source code if they are hiring you as a programmer. I've had several requests for that over the past decade. As an IT manager I have asked for source code from potential programmers as well. I would also say it definitely helped me in making my decision after seeing 2-3 people's different programming styles.

The best answer is probably a non-disclosure / confidentiality agreement of some kind. If the source code was written for another company and there would be concerns over that I would at least insist that they review the source code in your presence and that they would never be allowed to actually 'have' the source code. Remember that this company should respect your concerns over intellectual property because they will want you to show the same concern for their source code as well.

I would say when I was hiring that I never considered anyone who couldn't produce some source code for me to look at. It's a sign that the person doesn't have a lot of their own initiative because most serious programmers have lots of little pet projects and should be able to provide SOMETHING to show they know what they are doing.

If you are mostly concerned about a source code 'scam'; one possibility maybe to take and send them pictures of the code instead of the code itself. With all the free source code you can get with tons on UT alone I seriously doubt someone is going to be trying to run a scam unless they get very, very specific about the actual process.

Greg


>You said
>
>I remember a scam like that
>
>>I didn't: reread what I wrote.
>>
>>>How do you come to the conclusion that this is a scam?
>>>
>>>I haven't seen the name of the Company so I can't tell that. Do you have additional information that could lead you to believe that this is indeed a scam?
>>>
>>>Like I said to Hilmar I don't really like that kind of approach but from what I understand they wanted to have bits of code.
>>>
>>>I really don't see how they could build an app from disparate pieces of PRG, SCX or FRXs.
>>>
>>>Times are tougher than they used to be in IT world. Demands like those that are made would have been rejected by the vast majority just a few years ago. But now it's a different ball game.
>>>
>>>Anyways It's up to Hilmar to decide what he wants to do next about that offer. Perhaps he won't continue further with that company but I'm sure others will.
>>>
>>>In the end it depends on how bad you need the job. If you can get along without one and you see demands that seem outrageous you continue to the next offer. If an offered job is absolutely needed do you really have the choice?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>I remember a scam like that from a few years ago; no idea if it's the same people. They even described the type of app you needed to have worked on. It was a rather obvious attempt to get source code for free.
>>>>
>>>>Hank
>>>>
>>>>>>>(Comments on an entry in the Jobs section - Feb. 10, Quebec, Canada)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I must be prepared to send source code - from the project I worked in for the last few years? And what if the source code belongs to the company, as will often be the case?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Also, "Include SCX names and functions (minimum 20+), FRX names and functions (20+), ..." seems like a lot of detail to me, part of which: 1) seems irrelevant; 2) I would consider property of the company, 3) the parts I am willing to discuss, I will do so only after making an initial contact. They want all those details before they even consider replying.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Unacceptible. MUST be refused. First an initial talk, only thereafter perhaps some test, like the one that Whil suggested in his Developers Guide.
>>>>>
>>>>>Yeah, that is more or less what I was thinking.