Open source is as much a philosophy as it is a development methodology. Open source code is meant to be shared, improved, and used in whatever way the user wants, marking a departure from traditional software licensing agreements. Open source software is cost-effective and can improve technological agility and scalability. Using open source products also ensures the long-term security and support of business-critical applications.

Nicole Rennolds, writing for TechRepublic Premium, presents this guide to open source, comparing it to other types of software and describing its history, popular examples, advantages, and drawbacks.

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OPEN SOURCE ADVANTAGES

Flexibility

With proprietary software, what you see is what you get, meaning you’re limited to whatever features and capabilities are included out of the box, at least until the vendor releases an update. OSS can be modified at will to meet the specific requirements of the organization using it or adjusted to different types of workloads. Companies also have the agility to add new features without completely replacing their software solutions, saving time and money while allowing the freedom to innovate and stay competitive.

Code quality

Because proprietary software source code is hidden, customers have to accept vendors’ promises of high-quality code at their word. Open source software projects are reviewed, maintained, and improved by a highly active community of open source developers. These dedicated experts act as third-party peer reviewers, ensuring that software source code is secure and bug-free.

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TIME SAVED: Crafting this content required 20 hours of dedicated writing, editing, research, and design.