Advantages of using open source software

There are benefits to using open source software, which explains its popularity. Using an open source solution for a design problem provides many of the same advantages as using one that has been purchased. You don't have to spend time building the solution, it may have a robust set of features, and it may already be a tested and proven solution with many other users.

Unlike software that must be purchased, open source software is freely available so there are cost savings. You just have to keep in mind the license that comes with the software.

If the open source software is a popular solution with an active community, it might be continuously improved with bug fixes and new features. You will be able to take advantage of this work. Bugs may be detected and fixed quickly because many people are using and working on the code. This is the idea behind Linus's Law, which is named after Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel. Linus's Law basically states that given enough eyeballs, or people looking at the code, all bugs are shallow. In other words, with many people looking at the source code, problems will be detected sooner rather than later, and someone will be able to provide a fix.

Although some view open source software as less secure due to the availability of the code, some people see it as more secure because there are many eyes that are using, looking at, and fixing the code.

Another advantage of open source software is the fact that you have access to the source code. If necessary, your development team will be able to modify it just as you would with an in-house solution.