Developing a software application

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Hueyloo

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Jul 3, 2007
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Hi, I've got an idea for some software that I'd like developed. It'd be a desktop application, but I've not had anything developed before and am a bit unsure of a few things...

Obviously, is there anyone in particular I should use or a specific site to find a developer (whilst trying to keep the costs down)?

I'm a bit reluctant to go with one of the sites found when searching on Google for "software developer" and such because I'm sure there are many cheaper developers out there doing freelance.

Is there anything I should look out for and ask about a developer before hiring? If I plan to sell the software also, do I need to state this to the developer to make sure he/she doesn't sell it to someone else?

At the moment I just want an estimate on the cost, so basically I'm just looking for any tips anyone can give.

Thanks for any advice.
 


elance.com and craigslist.com are the cheaper way to find people, not to sure about the quality as its usually a crap shoot.
 
Learn some basic programming first, you will find that you'll get screwed much less. Or hire someone you trust to oversee the project.

There are 2 roadblocks you need to get past when dealing with outsourcing
1> a big ass language barrier
2> a big ass technical barrier

If you don't speak programming and you don't speak Chinese or Hindi, you'll have a bitch of a time getting a project outsourced because you won't properly be able to explain what you want and you won't be able to accurately answer any questions your hack has.

You'll end up with a big pile of coding that doesn't work as you dreamed & is worthless for some other hack to build on. But congrats, you just bought a script for pennies on the dollar.
 
Hueyloo said:
Is there anything I should look out for and ask about a developer before hiring? If I plan to sell the software also, do I need to state this to the developer to make sure he/she doesn't sell it to someone else?
Click to expand...

The project contract should include an "Assignment of Rights" clause which states that the developer assigns you ownership and copyrights of the software and source code (obviously excluding any portions of the software which are made by a third party, such as components, libraries, etc.) upon the project's completion and/or receipt of all payments.
 
Thanks for the tips. I actually bought a book on developing software a few months ago so will try and pick up a few bits before finding a developer. I'll come with a contract as well with the ownership rights stuff included. Hopefully I'll find a developer who'll understand what I want creating!

Thanks again
 
To make sure a programmer understands what you want, it's a good idea to draw a picture. Seriously, all the real programmers are confronted at some point with having to learn standardized process charts and pseudocode. Take a look here and if you can draw (and notate) it properly, then a good programmer will not only be able to give you exactly what you want, they will do it quickly.
 
you get what you pay for. as a developer myself i wouldn't trust anyone who charges less than $40-50/hr.
also, you really should have someone create a project specification if you can't do it yourself, otherwise it's sure to be a disaster.
hire someone to draft the specs based on your business requirements, then hire a programmer to build it out.
 
jenzkc is right. A functional specification and wireframes will go a long way in making sure that everyone is on the same page before an ounce of code is even written. Some developers are experienced in this area of gathering requirements, documenting the specs and diagramming the solution in wireframes; in which case you'll can get everything handled by one person. That level of experience/service will be more costly than $40-50/hr though.
 
First learn some software languages which are more basic. Else you can give the project to someone whom you trust \,the best way is you can say the programmer want output you want and also can draw a picture or outline of your output.
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Barbie purl
Internet marketing
 
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