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Open source software is software with publicly available source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and use — often for free.
Why It Matters
- Reduces development costs by using proven, community-supported tools.
- Speeds up product development through reusable components.
- Provides flexibility to customise code for specific business needs.
- Encourages innovation and collaboration across the developer ecosystem.
- Reduces vendor lock-in by giving full control of the tech stack.
Use This Term When...
- You're selecting tools, libraries, or frameworks for your tech stack.
- You're discussing cost-saving strategies with your development team.
- You're evaluating code ownership or licensing risks.
- You're building features using existing community-developed components.
- You're collaborating with developers or contributors across platforms.
Real-World Example
In one of our projects，it used Open Source Software libraries for chart rendering and API integration, which sped up development and reduced licensing costs. This also allowed us to customize features without vendor restrictions.
Founder Insight
Using open source isn’t just about saving money — it’s about building on top of what’s already working. But remember, with great freedom comes the need for proper support and maintenance.
Key Metrics / Concepts
- Community Support – Size and activity of contributors maintaining the project.
- License Type – Defines how the software can be used or modified.
- Update Frequency – How often new versions or patches are released.
- Issue Resolution Time – Average time to fix bugs or address feature requests.
- Code Quality Score – Based on maintainability, test coverage, and documentation.
Tools & Technologies
- GitHub – Main platform where most open source projects are hosted and shared.
- WordPress – A widely used open source CMS powering millions of websites.
- Node.js / React / Laravel – Popular open source frameworks used in modern app development.
What’s Next / Future Trends
Open source is powering the AI and cloud revolution. Expect deeper enterprise adoption, more privacy-first tools, and a stronger focus on open governance and community-led innovation.
Related Terms
Version Control – Helps manage code changes in open source projects.
Tech Stack – Often includes open source libraries or frameworks.
Code Review – Crucial when working with or contributing to open source.
Security – Open source requires vigilance with vulnerabilities and updates.
Git – Version control tool commonly used in open source workflows.
Helpful Videos / Articles / Pages
Leveraging Open Source Software for Business Advancement
Call to Action
Thinking of using open source in your app build? We’ll help you choose the right tools and frameworks for a faster, cost-effective launch.