We use open source code every day, often without noticing it. It powers servers, websites, applications and creative tools. But it does not simply mean “free software”: it means the source code can be inspected and, under the terms of its licence, studied, modified and shared.
In short: open source provides a common foundation. People, companies and communities can improve it instead of starting from scratch every time. This creates more choice, supports collaboration and can reduce software licensing and development costs.
How did open source software begin?
Sharing programs and improvements was common in the early years of computing. As proprietary software grew, code increasingly became closed and could only be used under the conditions set by its owner.
Richard Stallman announced the GNU Project in 1983 to build an operating system that people could freely use, study and modify. Linus Torvalds developed the Linux kernel in 1991. Combined with GNU tools and many other components, Linux became the foundation of countless digital systems and services.
The term “open source” was introduced in 1998. The Open Source Initiative helped give it a precise definition and explain the practical value of open, collaborative development to businesses.
Which open source projects are best known?
Linux is probably the best-known example. It is not only something “for programmers”: it runs servers, cloud infrastructure, devices and desktop distributions such as Ubuntu.
- VLC is a free, cross-platform media player that handles a wide range of formats without locking users into one ecosystem.
- Blender provides professional tools for 3D modelling, animation, rendering and production.
- Inkscape is a vector graphics editor built around open formats such as SVG.
- Ubuntu makes Linux accessible on personal computers, servers and development environments.
Visual Studio Code needs a small clarification. Microsoft’s editor is built on the open source Code - OSS project, while the official distribution includes Microsoft customisations and uses a Microsoft product licence. It is a useful example of open code and commercial products existing side by side.
Why is open code useful?
The first benefit is transparency: the software can be examined, audited and adapted. This does not automatically make every open source project secure or well maintained, but it enables independent reviews and shared fixes.
The second benefit is choice. A business may be able to change suppliers, ask another specialist to make an improvement or maintain part of a project internally, when the licence, skills and documentation allow it. This reduces the risk of depending entirely on a single vendor.
Then there is reuse. Proven libraries and tools let a team spend more time on the client’s specific problem instead of rebuilding common components. Collaboration can also improve compatibility, quality and the useful life of software.
How can open source lower costs and support the economy?
Open source can remove or reduce some licensing fees, but it does not mean zero cost. Analysis, setup, training, maintenance and security are still real work. The advantage is that more of the budget can go towards expertise, customisation and support: the work that creates value for the people using the software.
A shared foundation also lowers the barrier to entry for professionals, small businesses and start-ups. A European Commission study estimated that around €1 billion invested by EU companies in open source software in 2018 produced a positive economic impact of €65–95 billion. It is an estimate, not a promise for an individual project, but it shows how much value can grow from reusing shared knowledge.
The open source tools I use every day
I rely on libraries and tools built through this model every day. Ubuntu is my working environment, Inkscape helps with vector graphics, Blender with 3D, and Visual Studio Code, built on Code - OSS, with development. Many projects also depend on frameworks, packages and components maintained by communities around the world.
For me, open source is not an ideological choice to apply at any cost. It is a practical option to assess alongside licensing, maintenance, security and project goals. When it fits, it offers a solid, inspectable foundation that is easier to evolve.
A common foundation, not a shortcut
Open code does not remove the work. It prevents some of that work from being repeated and lets us build on what others have already shared. Good decisions, careful integration and long-term maintenance still make the difference.
If you are planning a digital product and want to understand where open source could reduce costs and dependencies without sacrificing reliability, tell me what you want to build.