First: secure your access
Whether contact with the developer is fading or has broken off completely, you need to take control of the assets that belong to your project. If these assets are not in your name, the project is not really yours.
- Source code: The complete Git repository (with history) and ownership of the repository.
- Server and hosting: Hosting panel, server access, database backups.
- Domain name: The registrar account, transfer code and DNS management.
- Store accounts: Ownership or admin rights for the Apple Developer and Google Play Console accounts, plus signing certificates and keys.
- Third-party services: Accounts and API keys for payment, SMS, email, map and notification services.
Once you have access, rotate all passwords and API keys.
Main service page for this topic: custom software development
How is a code audit done?
- A development environment is set up where the code can be built and run.
- The architecture, frameworks and library versions, and the database structure are documented.
- Working, half-finished and never-started features are listed.
- Security holes, hard-coded passwords and outdated dependencies are identified.
- A report states whether continuing the code or partially rewriting it makes more sense.
The rescue plan
After the audit, critical bugs are fixed first to keep the live system running, then unfinished features are completed by priority. For mobile apps, if you hold the store account and signing key, the existing app can keep receiving updates; if the key is lost, the recovery options offered by the store are evaluated.
To redefine scope and budget, you can use the app cost calculator page. For projects stuck on a store rejection, see the App Store rejection fix page.
Experience taking over someone else's code
Hakan Sevimoğlu took over lieferstdu.de, an existing restaurant ordering platform in Germany built by someone else, redesigning and extending its mobile interface. With 18 years of experience, he keeps PHP, Laravel, iOS, Android and Flutter projects moving forward without breaking the existing code.
What I offer
Access handover
Server, domain and store accounts
Code audit
Architecture, security, gap list
Rescue plan
Prioritised roadmap
Bug fixing
Keeping the live system up
Feature completion
Finishing half-built modules
Remote work
Across Türkiye and worldwide
Technologies I use
Example projects
A selection of live projects serving real users.
Mobilesse Mobilya — Furniture Manufacturing ERP
One-platform ERP from order to production, stock to shipment and e-invoice for a furniture manufacturer in Inegol, including a 3D product configurator.
View
ucakbiletcisi.com — Online Flight Booking Platform
Flight search with BiletBank integration, 3D Secure payment, real bank installments, PNR lookup and online check-in.
View
Taxi, Fleet & POS Platform
Passenger, driver and fleet apps with live dispatch and POS.
ViewHow we work
Free intro call
We clarify needs, existing systems and goals together.
Quote & roadmap
Scope, technology, timeline and budget within 24 hours.
Staged development
Weekly demos and a live test environment.
Launch & support
Go-live, training and ongoing maintenance.
Free pre-analysisThe first meeting and roadmap are completely free, with no obligation.
Staged delivery and approvalYou review each module on a test environment before we move on.
Written scope and rightsScope, delivery and source code rights are defined in the contract.
Frequently asked questions
My developer won't hand over the source code. What can I do?
First check the intellectual property and delivery clauses in your contract. If the server is in your name, the code can usually be retrieved from it; in a dispute you will need legal advice.
Can an unfinished project be continued, or should it be rewritten?
That is decided after the code audit. If the code is readable and working, continuing is usually faster; otherwise rewriting the critical parts is recommended.
What if the store account is in the developer's name?
The app needs to be transferred to your own account. Apple and Google both offer app transfers; the current account holder has to initiate the process.
Do you work on code written by someone else?
Yes. Hakan Sevimoğlu redesigned and extended the mobile interface of lieferstdu.de, a platform set up by someone else.
How does the takeover process start?
It starts with drawing up the access list and reviewing the code. Then the findings and options are presented to you; the decision is yours.