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Hey guys, new here.
So, let's say I'm an intern working at this startup company. Learnt a lot of stuffs. Is it consider stealing if I implement some of the same code from the company to my own project? In terms of logic and all.

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  • 2
    If it's the same logic, then it's bound to be a very similar product, which your contract probably has a non-compete or company owns your code clause.

    So yes.

    If it's code patterns and logic handling (not the logic it's self) then that's just something you take with you as experience.
  • 2
    @C0D4 I see so if it's entirely the same structure and handling then it's considered stealing. Else if it's something that I understood then recreate it with a slight difference then it won't considered stealing?
  • 0
    @F1973 right! But I'm just scared if I get caught haven't the same logic ahhaha...
  • 2
    @LucienZera26 if it's copy/paste logic then your building the same thing right?

    If it's the structure of the conditions... then no.

    Basically, just don't copy/paste and have a cloned application/program/website and you'll be mostly... fine.
  • 2
    This is a legal matter and it varies for different firms.
    Most companies states this very clear on their employment contract.

    "The use of all Company A's property remains private to Company A and it's employees only both within and outside it's premises. Usage of Company A's property by an employee requires prior permission from Company A unless stated otherwise".

    Things like "source code" is not exempted from from such a statement whether as an employee or not, the code remains a property of the company housing the developer prior to its development.

    Nevertheless there are some exceptions. For example codes written as open source which is also a part of the company's code-base can be re-used without restrictions.

    It's also a common sense to know that re-writting the code from scratch but with similar logic having minimal or no changes from the company's can also put you in hot waters.

    If it's a former company then the risk is minimal compared to your currently active firm.
  • 0
    @C0D4 @F1973 thanks! Y'all were helpful!
  • 0
    @GiddyNaya understood, thanks!
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    We're you under an NDA regarding code or not?
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    And welcome to dR
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    @Ranchonyx if I'm not mistaken yes haha
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    @Ranchonyx I feel welcome already
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    @LucienZera26 well then, have fun here
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    It's never "theft" because the original isn't taken away. It's simply an illegal copy. But I can work around this by saying:

    "do you mind if I use a little bit of my own code to fix this quickly?"

    Due to the word QUICKLY employers are bound to say yes. Then make the code in your own time, put it in the public domain... and they can't legally say you've copied them

    Because they already copied you!

    Mass Effect 3 logic!
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