What is open-source software?

Open-source software (OSS) refers to applications that have source code freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. The core idea behind open-source software is the principle of collaboration and transparency, enabling developers worldwide to contribute, improve and innovate on existing projects. This model stands in contrast to proprietary software, where the source code is restricted and controlled by the software owner. Below we take a look at what open-source software is, it’s advantages/disadvantages and applications you possibly didn’t know are open source.

The history of open-source software

The origins of OSS date back to the early days of computing. In the 1970s and 1980s, sharing code was a common practice among computer scientists. However, as the software industry grew, companies began to commercialise their products, leading to the creation of proprietary software.

The term “open source” was popularised in the late 1990s as a response to this trend, with the launch of projects like the GNU operating system and the Linux kernel setting the foundation for the open-source movement. Today, open-source development is more popular than ever, forming the backbone of many critical applications and technologies.

Popular software you possibly didn’t know is open-source

While many people may be familiar with OSS projects like Linux, there are numerous well-known applications that also follow the model but not widely recognised as such. Here are ten famous OSS applications:

WordPress: A leading content management system (CMS), WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet. Its open-source nature allows developers to create themes, plugins, and customisations freely.
Mozilla Firefox: This popular web browser prioritises privacy and speed. As an OSS project, Firefox allows developers worldwide to contribute to its features and security enhancements.
VLC Media Player: VLC is a highly versatile media player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. Its open-source code base has made it a favourite among users and developers alike.
Blender: Blender is a powerful open-source 3D creation suite used for modelling, animation and rendering. Its community-driven development has made it a popular tool in the animation and gaming industries.
GIMP: The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is an OSS alternative to Adobe Photoshop, offering robust photo editing and graphic design features.
LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite, LibreOffice provides word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and more, all as OSS and free to use.
Audacity: This audio editing software is a favourite among podcasters and musicians for its simplicity and powerful features.
OBS Studio: Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free, OSS application for video recording and live streaming. It is popular among content creators and streamers.
Brave Browser: Brave is an OSS browser focused on privacy and speed, with built-in ad-blocking and tracking protection features.
Apache HTTP Server: One of the most widely used web servers globally, Apache powers a large percentage of websites, thanks to its open-source nature and robust performance.

Why is some software open-source?

Open-source software development is driven by the philosophy that collaboration can lead to innovation. Instead of relying on a single company or team to develop software, OSS projects invite contributions from developers all over the world. This collective effort results in diverse ideas, rapid problem-solving and the ability to leverage the expertise of a global community. Here are some reasons why software is made open-source:

Reasons software is developed open-source:

Innovation Through Collaboration: OSS projects thrive on the contributions of many individuals, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives.
Transparency: OSS provides complete transparency, allowing users to inspect the code, understand how it works and ensure there are no hidden backdoors or malicious code.
Community Support: With a large community of developers, OSS often receives rapid updates, patches and new features.
Freedom and Flexibility: Users have the freedom to modify and customise OSS to fit their specific needs, making it highly adaptable.
Reduced Costs: OSS is typically free to use, helping individuals and businesses save on licensing fees associated with proprietary software.
Increased Security: By making the code available for public scrutiny, individuals can identify and fix security vulnerabilities more quickly than proprietary software.
Educational Opportunities: OSS offers an excellent learning platform for new developers, allowing them to study real-world code and contribute to projects.
Long-Term Sustainability: With an active community of contributors, open-source projects can continue to evolve and improve even if the original developers move on.
No Vendor Lock-In: Users of OSS are not dependent on a single vendor for updates, support or feature additions, allowing them greater control and choice.
Ethical and Philosophical Beliefs: Many developers and organisations believe that software should be free and accessible to everyone, aligning with the open philosophy.

The disadvantages of open-source development

While open-source software has many advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. The very nature of this approach to development, with its reliance on community contributions and lack of centralised control, can lead to some issues that users and developers should be aware of.

Disadvantages of open-source development:

Potential Security Breaches: While transparency can help identify vulnerabilities, it also means that malicious actors have access to the source code and may exploit weaknesses before they are patched.
Lack of Coherent Direction: OSS projects may lack a clear roadmap or unified vision, leading to fragmented development and features that may not align with user needs.
Inconsistent Quality: The quality of contributions can vary greatly, resulting in features that may be incomplete, poorly documented or not thoroughly tested.
Limited Support: Unlike proprietary software, which typically comes with dedicated customer support, open-source software relies on community forums and user contributions for help, which may not always be sufficient for urgent issues.
Steep Learning Curve: Open-source software often requires a higher level of technical knowledge to install, configure and customise, making it less accessible to non-technical users.
Compatibility Issues: Some open-source software may not integrate well with other proprietary tools or systems, leading to compatibility issues.
No Guaranteed Updates: Without a commercial backing, there is no guarantee that an open-source project will receive regular updates or continued development, especially if the community loses interest.
Risk of Abandonment: Projects that rely heavily on volunteer contributions may be abandoned if developers lose interest or move on to other projects, leaving users without future updates.
Intellectual Property Concerns: Using or contributing to open-source projects may involve complex licensing agreements that could affect how the software is used or distributed.
Complexity of Customisation: While customisation is a key advantage, it can also be a drawback if extensive modifications are needed, requiring a significant time and effort investment.

Being community driven has benefits

Open-source software has become an essential part of the technology landscape, offering countless benefits to developers, businesses and end-users. By embracing a collaborative model, open-source projects have led to the creation of powerful and innovative applications that rival, and in some cases surpass, their proprietary counterparts. The flexibility, cost savings and community-driven development make open-source an appealing choice for many. Professional web development firms very often rely on OSS to power their projects.

Potential drawbacks of OSS projects

However, open-source software is not without its challenges. The potential for security vulnerabilities, lack of centralised support and the possibility of inconsistent quality can be significant hurdles. Despite these drawbacks, open-source software continues to thrive and evolve, driven by a passionate community of developers who believe in the power of shared knowledge and collaboration.

Final thoughts

In a world where technology is constantly advancing, open-source development offers a dynamic and inclusive approach that is likely to play a critical role in shaping the future of software. For businesses and individuals alike, exploring open-source alternatives can be a smart and strategic move, providing access to a wide array of tools and resources without the constraints of traditional proprietary software. This is particularly true of businesses starting out when money can be tight. Including OSS as an integral part of your business plan could slash your start-up costs. As more companies and developers adopt this model, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking applications emerge from the open-source community.