On: Developers’ side projects

[mindcrime]

But legally, they could have enforced the contract and taken possession of my code.

Not necessarily. Depending on what state you live in, there's a good chance that agreement would violate state law and would be unenforceable.

[maxxxxx → mindcrime]

Even winning a lawsuit costs a lot of money and stress. Unless there is a law that makes courts throw out frivolous lawsuits immediately the employer with lawyers on staff still can make your life very difficult

[mindcrime → maxxxxx]

No doubt. I'm certainly not claiming the current situation is ideal. Just pointing out that it's not always as bad as people think.