Most pieces of software are now made using source code which works as a plan that guides programmers. When it comes to releasing the software as a finished product, creators must choose whether to release the code as open or closed.
If you are interested in learning more about whether open or closed code is best for you, check out the post below. We delve into the main pros and cons that open and closed software have to offer so that you can feel more assured about which route would be best for your situation.
Open Source Software – Pros & Cons
(OSS) Open-source software is shared using a licensing agreement that enables code to be altered, shared, and viewed by organizations or other people. In essence, OSS is made available to the public without any charge.
As a result, OSS can be modified countless times by an unlimited number of people worldwide. Many developers find that this leads to the code being improved over time. While it seems like OSS is a win-win on the surface, there are some factors to using it that should help you have a cautious approach to using it.
One of the main elements that make people vigilant about using open source software is the security factor. This is especially the case when it comes to large organizations that are looking to roll out their code. This is because the code may have been developed in areas that weren’t monitored, increasing the risk of security flaws.
Open-source software doesn’t need to undergo strict regulations or peer reviews which can provide programmers who have malicious intent to add Trojans and other viruses to the code. Application security best practices should be put in place to help alleviate and prevent these security issues.
Furthermore, organizations may find that their code gets used in ways that they would prefer to avoid. This is because OSS can be modified and used freely without direction and communication between programmers.
The usability of using open source software is also an area of concern. This type of code doesn’t get reviewed by experts, and there are no regulations when it comes to including user guides with the code. The manuals that are included can sometimes be difficult to understand.
Open-source software can thrive in areas that include engaged users. Therefore, you’ll need to think about ways to cultivate a community of users who can use the OSS to make it worthwhile. This is because you need a community that includes forums and support pages that help users use the code effectively. Without this infrastructure in place, users may not feel confident about using the code as they may be more used to the higher level of support available when using proprietary software.
One of the main benefits that you can experience when using OSS is that there’s an incredible degree of flexibility available. As a result, programmers can feel freer to modify the code and work with a wide range of other software engineers to improve it. Another one of the big advantages of using open-source software is that it’s cost-effective.
Closed Source Software – Pros & Cons
Closed source software (CSS), commonly referred to as proprietary software, is shared using a licensing agreement that grants authorization to private users for republication and modification. Therefore, this type of code isn’t made available to the public.
This form of code is the kind that most large organizations prefer to use because it provides them with more protection when it comes to their software and products. It also allows companies to keep total control of their company and brand to maintain and improve the experience that users have when using their products.
Large companies are often able to use CSS without too much hassle in comparison to individual users or small companies. This is because closed source software can cost anywhere between hundreds and thousands of dollars. The cost includes the support and licensing fees, a standard flat fee, and the cost of services and integration.
The cost for CSS is high, but you’re paying for the ability to have a product that has been created under stricter environments from a large brand that has gained the trust of its customers. Furthermore, CSS goes through more security tests to ensure that it’s safe to use in your applications.
Some users find that using CSS is more limiting compared to OSS. This is because it prevents you from viewing or changing the code. While this is a valid criticism, the benefits of preventing users from accessing and changing the source code allow it to be more secure. Users have come to trust this type of software more as it’s put through testing before being made available for private licensing.
In addition to this, closed source software comes with manuals that are generally easier to understand to ensure that users are provided with adequate training on how to incorporate the code. There’s also more support available from these companies when using CSS compared to open source software which could be a major factor to consider to improve the usability of the code.
Conclusion
That concludes our post about some of the main pros and cons of using closed or open-source software. There are benefits and drawbacks to both types of software. Therefore, it may be a good idea to consider how you plan to use the software and weigh up the upsides and downsides of your specific requirements.
Hopefully, the information found throughout our post has provided you with some more insight into the main advantages and disadvantages of using OSS or CSS.
