> The point of that stuff is, if the product does not conform substantially to those specifications, the person coding it is (usually) liable.
Can you point out a single case where a programmer was held personally liable for losses incurred by their code? Just one?
Libility is usually limited to willful wrongdoing and negligence, and when it involves work done by an employee, it's the employer not the employee that's held liable.
I don't think he means liable in the literal sense but in a figurative way: that permanent employee might lose out on a bonus, raise or future greenfield projects if they screw up. A consultant or contractor might not get their contract renewed or told to sod off, depending on the severity.
But you're right about the financial liability: I've never heard it happen; but what with Murphy's Law I'm still retaining a Liability insurance just in case it should ever happen to me.
Can you point out a single case where a programmer was held personally liable for losses incurred by their code? Just one?
Libility is usually limited to willful wrongdoing and negligence, and when it involves work done by an employee, it's the employer not the employee that's held liable.