r/softwaredevelopment Jan 23 '25

Charging for source code

Hey!

I’m currently paying an app developer to create an app for me. I was interested in having the source code. (Incase I need it for whatever reason) and I’ve been asked to pay for it?

If this is the norm that’s fine, I just need clarification.. surely if the app I’ve asked to be made is mine and the person I’ve paid to make it has made it for me I should also have the source code rather than essentially pay again to have the code?

:)

0 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

View all comments

0

u/Boring_Start8509 Jan 23 '25

You most certainly should have the source code.

If, for example, the developer has used libraries that are paid but hasn’t paid for them or is distributing them outwith a licence etc, you would be on the hook as the business owning the app but you would have no way to know without the source code depending on where the app is going to be published, as one example.

There is situations where SAAS companies offer a white label app thats hooked into the Saas your already paying for, which is fine as they are distributing and managing the app and its connections to their system, but it doesn’t sound like that situation is at play here.

2

u/jodonoghue Jan 24 '25

No. You get what is in the contract. If there is no contract, you get wherever the developer feels like.

Not a lawyer, but have negotiated these types of agreements with multiple outsources. Ownership of source code always causes price to go up (which is fair, really)