Facebook Still Risks Having To Reveal Its Entire Source Code

Slightly misleading / sensational headline from TechCrunch. A better one might be: "Plaintiff in patent lawsuit may get to inspect Facebook's code."

That is to say, this seems largely like a non-issue / non-story.

You are right. They will have to reveal the source code to a couple of experts that are under confidentiality agreement. Oh and the experts will only be allowed to look at the code in a closed room with no Internet connections. No big deal.

Having worked at Facebook...

... do they really want to see that code?

Does it matter? The value of Facebook is in its users; not code.

It's the code that leverages user participation for added value.

The code will reveal nothing useful. Facebook doesn't use many algorithms that are important. Its friend recommendations are standard, and that's the only algorithm off the top of my head.

What makes Facebook so effective is its existing userbase, its cutting-edge design, and its constant push for usability. I still haven't seen a company that would stand a chance against Facebook in those categories, and Facebook's tricks there are open for all to see.