A computer programmer is laid off when Company $x$ downsizes. Company $x$ agrees to pay the programmer $$10,000$ to complete a one$-$time project to create a certain product. It is not clear how long the project will take to complete and the programmer is not guaranteed any minimum payment for hours worked on the project. The programmer works at home on a new computer which cost the programmer $$5,000.$ Company $x$ provides no instructions beyond the specifications for the product itself. This suggests the programmer should be classified as:

an independent contractor

a temporary employee

a W$-2$ employee

not enough information to tell

none of these answers are correct