Why would a code analysis tool be priced based on lines of code count?

Question

I heard some static analysis tools are priced depending on how much code they are licensed for.

I can think that it's usual segmentation - the more code the customer has the more care he needs and the more useful the tool is for him, so he should pay more, so basically it's the way for the tool supplier to get more money.

Are there any other objective reasons why a source code analysis tool would be priced depending on how much code the customer is planning to analyse?

Answer 1

Seems like it may be due to how the product would get used. They could do it by user licenses, but most companies will likely have just one analyser reguardless of size.

Another option is to try it for free for 30 days, but a company may just analyze a large code base once or twice and then have no strong reason to purchase the product after they've fixed most of the problems. The code may not change very much afterwards. They could allow a free trial with a code size limit.

Larger code base may require more support.

It's one way to make sure they get paid from the users who may benefit the most.

Answer 2

You've nailed the main one but it allows a low price entry point both for marketing (price from $1 - small print: "covers applications of no more than three lines of code, each line after that, $100), but more importantly so customers can make a small initial commitment, gauge usefulness and then purchase additional licensing.