Software patents make using prior art a bit of a PITA. It's definitely one of the reasons for so many different wheels.

You do bring up good points though. I'm about to start looking for a C/C++ programmer and I'm trying to get someone who is relatively fresh out of school. First so I can get someone that hasn't already picked up too many bad habits - someone that will be able to move into our own stream of development and quality-focus. At the same time, I'm only interested in the brightest candidates and little previous job experience lessens the amount of previous work I can evaluate.

Well written and plentiful source documentation (as well as detailed design notes) are an absolute must. Having someone else be able to jump into an existing project quickly is a very valuable asset.

Bruno