News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Ask HN: I've had some software developed, now the coder is holding me for ransom..

Re:Ask HN: I've had some software developed, now the coder i... by andr on Saturday March 21, 2009 @12:59PM (#526305)
To answer your question, Java is very easy to reverse engineer. Google for a decompiler. Several years ago I would get an almost perfect copy of the original source, with the proper variable names, etc. The only thing missing were comments :)

The legality of you reverse engineering the software is a different matter. But if you have paid the $2500 in question, then you own it.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: I've had some software developed, now the coder i... by kragen on Saturday March 21, 2009 @09:49PM (#526879)
Whether you own the software or not depends on what the contract says. It is entirely legal to sign a contract to perform a service for somebody for some amount of money without assigning them copyright in the results.
[ Parent | on HN ]