Open Source
First the most important question: What is Open Source?
Open Source is software whose source code can be viewed, changed and used publicly and by third parties. Open source software can usually be used free of charge. (Wikipedia)
Open Source has many advantages.
- Open Source is safe. Anyone can view the source code and thus can be assured that neither hidden functions nor spy tools are infiltrated into the software.
- Open Source is a community. Anyone can make local changes to a source code and thus a program can be improved by many people.
- Open Source is independent. The users of a program are not bound to the developer. Thanks to the open source code, anyone can fix bugs or add new features without being dependent on the developer.
Razer Ambilight: My first open source project
These advantages became clear to me when I released my software Razer Ambilight on Github.
It was a new experience for me. My code under the critical eyes of thousands. At first I was unsure if this was really the right decision. Issues came in about bugs where I didn’t know what to do and everything was confusing at first.
But eventually I realized the advantages. Issues came in through bugs that I would never have found if I hadn’t been told about them and therefore never fixed. And also those that, if not fixed, made the software completely unusable.
I was already completely convinced of Open Source when the user stallOne1337 opened a pull request to implement support for 21:9 monitors. I was surprised. stallOne followed my code structure exactly and added a feature that I would never have developed if I didn’t own a 21:9 monitor.
My conclusion: Opensource is a very good way for a private person to distribute his software. I never thought that people I don’t even know would really extend my software in a meaningful way, or that people would even take the time to do so.
Hey there I discovered your weblog using msn. This is an extremely smartly written article. thank you
I am curious to find out what blog system you are using?
I’m having some small security problems with my
latest website and I would like to find something more safeguarded.
Do you have any recommendations?
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely magnificent.
I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which
you say it. You make it enjoyable and you
still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you.
This is really a tremendous site.
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The words in your article seem to be running off the
screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with
browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Many thanks
This is a very good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Short but very accurate information… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read article!