Re: Perl contract problems

[metadatum]

well it is obvious, that they can simply bring someone else, give them my script with every line is commented so they can do what ever to it, own it, reap the benefis…etc. can they do that?

Unless specified in your contract with them, THEY own the code, not you - so yes, they can do whatever they want with it.

Welcome to the world of contracting.

[sschneid]

I agree. If they're paying you to do something, you basically do it, or you don't get paid. You don't own the code, the company you're contracting for does -- if they want it a certain way, you're pretty much obligated to make it that way. If the boss wants code that has every line documented, and you refuse, I can bet he won't be keeping you around for too long (as unfortunate as this particular situation is).

scott.

[diotalevi]

I think these points are missing an important point that as a programmer it is part of your professional obligation to help create the requirements that you'll be working under to ensure that they are do able, make sense and will benefit your client. The way the original poster worded things it sounded as if things were completely out of his control. Obviously that's not true in any reasonable situation - I you were my teammate then I'd expect you to push back on things that don't make sense and help to guide things appropriately. Things still can still go badly but at least you'll have exercised your obligation to do a good job which is a larger issue than just having good code.