Is open-source software destined to be our future?
Open-source software has proven its potential for accessibility, connected developers, and reduced expenses. Is open source software the inevitable future?
Consider how open-source software has impacted the world. It invented the World Wide Web and distant collaborative development, which the epidemic mainstreamed. Most of the cloud runs on Linux, so free software powers most modern computing resources. Python, a popular programming language, is likewise free and open.
Accordingly, it is not an exaggeration to argue that open-source is the foundation of so much technology we use every day. We apply technology to do our jobs, learn, and engage with the world. And its influence continues to expand, democratizing technology today and fostering innovation in the future.
An overall picture of open-source software
What is open-source software?
Open-source software is an application distributed alongside its source code, making it open for use, modification, and redistribution while retaining its original rights. Source code is the code that computer programmers change to control the behavior of a program or application.
Programmers that have access to source code can modify a program by adding to it, modifying it, or fixing non-functioning sections. Open-source software often contains a license that permits programmers to alter the software to best suit their needs.
Open-source vs free software: What’s the difference?
The term “open-source” means that the source code is “open,” hence it is available to view and evaluate. Free software, on the other hand, requires a license to modify the code. Although both names are frequently used interchangeably, their goals and methods might be quite distinct.
Strictly speaking, open-source code can be viewed, but not necessarily utilized. Free software guarantees the ability to make modifications and share them with others.
The history of open-source software
In the 1950s and 1960s, researchers who developed the earliest internet technologies and network protocols relied on an open and collaborative research environment.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), which would eventually become the basis for the contemporary internet, emphasized peer review and an open-source feedback process. User groups exchanged and expanded upon each other’s source code. Forums assisted in facilitating conversation and establishing open communication and cooperation standards.
By the time the Internet was created in the early 1990s, the ideals of collaboration, peer review, and openness were ingrained in its structure.
Top 10 must-try open-source software examples in 2023
In this section, we will discover the top 10 open-source software that you should try this year.
Mozilla Firefox — A full-featured open source web browser
Mozilla Firefox is a customizable web browser and open-source software available for free. It provides access to thousands of plugins with a simple mouse click.
The platform’s browser market share is 3.98% and it is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux.
According to CNET, Mozilla transformed the technology industry and stoked the flames of open-source software. The goal is to alter the functionality of social networks and operating systems.
LibreOffice — A powerful open source office suite
LibreOffice is a comprehensive office suite with presentation, document, spreadsheet, and database capabilities. LibreOffice is completely free, unlike Microsoft Office, which is not accessible to everyone due to its price strategy.
When downloading, users can make donations to support the site. Therefore, it has a large contributor community. It is available for Mac, Linux, and Windows and also features a live chat and a forum for those seeking assistance.
GIMP — An incredible digital art program
GIMP, a photo-editing program, is also worthy of consideration among the best examples of open-source software. It offers similar functionality to pricey programs on the market, such as filters and effects, but is completely free.
GIMP is accessible on multiple systems, including Windows and Linux, and it features various third-party plugins and customization possibilities. Numerous illustrators, graphic designers, and photographers utilize it to enhance their images and work.
VLC Media Player — A feature-packed media player software
VLC Media Player is one of the most widely used free examples of open-source software. This multimedia player plays discs, cameras, streams, and gadgets in addition to playing video, media, and music files. Most of the users also use it to stream podcasts.
This custom software solution enables you to optimize your audio and video files for a certain hardware combination. Furthermore, it provides a wealth of extensions and skins for creating bespoke designs. Additionally, it operates on multiple platforms, including Android, Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, and iOS.
Linux — A trusted hub for developers
According to a Stack Overflow survey, 83.1% of developers stated that Linux is the most desired platform. Linux is one of the most user-friendly open-source software available. It is primarily utilized on Android devices and desktop computers.
This operating system is distinct from others in that it is completely free and extremely customizable. Most companies also choose it because of its superior security and community support.
You can hire a dedicated software development team to develop your open-source project.
Blender — An awesome 3D creation suite
Blender is one of the best must-try examples of open-source software in 2023. It provides motion tracking, simulation, animation, video editing, rendering, and modeling, among many other features. In addition, it offers various modeling tools and capabilities. For example, real-time perspective prereview, multi-resolution, and support for Planar tracking and Tripod solvers.
GNU Compiler Collection — An optimizing compiler suite
GNU Compiler Collection is a set of compilation tools for developing software in C, C++, Ada, Fortran, and other programming languages. It consistently generates high-quality releases and supports both native and cross-targets. They offer sources that are freely accessible via weekly snapshots and SVN.
Python — A versatile and powerful programming language
Python is a common programming and scripting language among bespoke software developers. According to IEEE, it was the most popular language in 2011. In recent years, PYTHON has attracted numerous new users due to its rapidly expanding machine-learning field. It is also user-friendly, which is why most developers prefer this open-source software.
PHP — A strong web page creator
When discussing the top open-source software examples you must try, we shouldn’t miss PHP. It is a software development language used for the building of websites and other digital platforms. It is quick and flexible and it runs some of the world’s most popular websites, like Slack and Spotify.
Shortcut — A full-fledged multimedia software
Shortcut is a robust video editor that supports audio and webcam capture, color, text, noise, and counter generators. It also supports popular image formats, EDL export, and much more. It is an excellent application for editing audio and video files. Besides, it is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. On its website, you may also get helpful guides and tutorials for utilizing this free open-source software.
6 advantages of open-source software: Revolutionizing business operations
Cost-effectiveness for users
The most important and obvious benefit of open-source is that it is entirely free for users. You can pay $100 per month per user for a CRM platform developed by a well-known software development company. Or simpler, you can utilize a very similar open-source platform for free.
Which would you choose? If you can save hundreds to thousands of dollars by converting to an open-source version of your most important platforms, you’ll be compelled to make the transfer.
Endless potential remained
Because open source is the subject of constant attention, analysis, and ongoing modification, its potential is nearly unlimited. Any developer, including project leaders, corporate teams, and amateur solo developers, can modify the backend, or even rebuild the entire platform from the ground up.
Consequently, any platform could eventually evolve into something substantially superior.
Mutual evaluation to improve performance
Open source enables mutual transparency. The software’s source code is easily accessible and can be examined by anyone at any time. New enhancements and modifications can similarly be evaluated (if the contributors are willing to share them).
This open transparency makes it simple to identify defects, bugs, and other concerns, giving you confidence that the product you’re using is flawless.
Significant support from community
Additionally, open-source software tends to attract substantial community support. Popular open-source software generally has extensive communities of devoted programmers that wish to keep the project alive and improve it concurrently.
If you encounter an issue or have a query about how the app functions or a potential problem you’ve discovered, what would you do? You may likely post on a forum and receive assistance from an experienced developer who has already worked on this.
Ongoing advancement in modern era
Because there is always a thriving community of people contributing to the project, open-source software frequently undergoes continuous development. The bugs are eliminated, the problems are rectified, and the functionality of the core grows more robust. If you use the software and update as needed, you will get to enjoy all the new features as they come available.
The community impacts software’s evolution
Decentralization is an additional crucial benefit of open-source. Instead of relying on the direction of a single leader or even a single team, the community influences the evolution of the software. When a large pool of persons collaborate on a project, creative idea development, and genuine innovation flourish.
Open-source software risks: Is the cost worth it?
Lack of instruction
Open-source projects are frequently conceived as a side project, then delegated to a distributed team of programmers and visionaries. The decentralization of this type of project can be both a benefit and a disadvantage.
If the project lacks direction or is led by incompetent individuals, it may swiftly fail. You should consider a dedicated software development team to develop your custom software solutions.
Time consuming for optimization
If you want to use open-source software for your business, you will need to invest some effort in optimizing it. This may involve disassembling it to determine how it operates, changing it to suit your needs, or simply mastering it thoroughly.
In any event, it typically takes longer than purchasing an existing platform.
Limited profitability for developers
Money is one of the most prevalent motivators among software developers. Unfortunately, open-source software development is never profitable (unless you figure out career opportunities). This makes it challenging to convince new developers to launch their open-source software.
Bring up concerns about security
Unfortunately, certain open-source technology may potentially present security risks. The transparent design of the backend code enables individuals to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
However, if a cybercriminal discovers these vulnerabilities first, they might quickly exploit numerous users. Open-source software is frequently implemented with numerous dependencies, resulting in a complex and easily exploitable network.
No responsibility to anyone
Nobody in charge means nobody is responsible for the software’s performance. If your software subscription stops operating, you can contact customer service or even sue. However, you have nothing if your open-source software stops working (other than some community support).
No assurance of assistance
If you encounter a problem with open-source software, the best course of action is to reach out to the community for assistance. Unfortunately, these community members are not obligated to assist you, so you may never receive answers to your most pressing questions.
Future of open-source: 5 possible predictions
Rod Cope, CTO of Perforce Software, recently gave his perspective on the future of software development from now until 2025. Cope provided 5 predictions with important implications for the evolution of open-source software. This section will explore the implications of a few of these forecasts for the open-source community.
As development speeds up, so does open source
Cope argues that the meaning of scale is changing. In the next 5 years, it is expected that twice as many people will get cell phones, and there will be devices we haven’t yet imagined. This implies a vast quantity of information. What are the implications for open source?
Open source will have to be the reactive method of development in the face of rapid data processing and technological advancement. The problem of data overabundance will further need speedy access to open-source packages.
Apps will grow more human-like
Cope says that we’re already living in a world dominated by mobile apps, and they’re only getting smarter. Mobile apps will soon seem different on your phone than they do today. With rendered video, holograms, haptics, etc., that are still technically “apps,” they will likely be more human.
Open source will be crucial for this app’s rapid development so that developers don’t have to start from zero and can create faster. From a coding standpoint, enterprises will require significant innovation to keep up. Open-source will provide developers with a base of code from which to build.
Open source is leading the way to quantum charge
Cope, along with numerous other scientists, believes that quantum computing will continue to advance. When it comes to quantum computing software, open-source is the lead. There are currently dozens of community-driven projects hosted by the Quantum Open Source Foundation.
Why is open-source software leading the pack? Scientists adore open data and knowledge sharing. Python is one of the most popular languages for computers. Quantum innovators will most likely utilize open-source software for their discoveries.
Hardware is losing ground to software
Cope expects that hardware will soon serve only as a vehicle for delivering creative new software. Open-source software will undoubtedly be a driving force behind this prediction. AI and ML are increasingly becoming available. Open-source developers will need to be able to use it more frequently in the development process.
More personal tech, more we need to know
According to Cope’s forecast, the software will “become less reactive and more predictive.” Increasingly, the technology is becoming customized and predictive.
In the coming years, we will witness highly personalized technology. It must be open-source for the masses to have faith in it. Especially as technology grows increasingly intertwined with our lives, we must comprehend the source to understand what it is doing.
Final words
Open-source software is now at the core of our web browsers, operating systems, and numerous other parts of our daily lives. As the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearables continue to gain popularity, open-source will become more prevalent in common tasks. Together with the open standards intended to promote open communication between them, they will be the future focal of open-source software.
