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The code base is a reflection of the values that are at play in the company's development process. It's a kick-the-tires defense against puffery, which is something a recruiter is perfectly allowed to use to get you to sign a contract.

Plus, it gives you an honest picture of something you will literally be looking at for thousands of hours. Would you buy curtains without knowing what they looked like?

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Like I said, I see why people ask for it. If the benefit to you of getting that information is worth the risk of potentially making a bad impression then go for it.

If you want to see the code, just ask.

If someone like you has a bad impression of me even though you understand why I'm asking, then I guess it's a bullet dodged.

This feels a little hostile, but I don't consider this outcome a bad thing. Everyone wants to avoid a bad fit - my intention was simply to help people fully understand how they may be perceived.

Sorry, was not meant to be hostile.

I should say that I understand if a company cannot show me their codebase, it is just one thing to consider among many.

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