Web-Apps with Open-Source Tech.
Even if Open-Source software is “free to use“, it doesn’t mean that just anyone can master it. Open-source software refers to different coding languages (and its variations) that are available to every developer.
Depending on the complexity of the projet, you’ll likely still need a qualified software developer to understand, integrate, modify, customise or develop your software based on your specifications.
WordPress CMS, for example, for whom does not know the basics of web languages, it is difficult to have a probative result after its “easy” and quick installation.
WP at the base has an intuitive and user-friendly Back-Office. On the other hand, any kind of “virtualisation softwares” to create public web pages (Front-End) requires a good understanding of what a responsive grid is, the CSS layout and the HTML structural languages at least.
The reality is much more elaborate and full of complexities, especially for sites with advanced and professional functionalities.
- Understand error messages and know how to debug;
- Be familiar with the source code, its issues and flaws;
- Performing maintenance work;
- Security and Systematic Backups;
- Know relational databases;
- Quality Hosting.
The Open-Source term gained hold with the rise of the Internet and the attendant need for massive retooling of the computing source code (introduced in the late 1990s). Open-source code is typically created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share the changes within the community.
Open-source sprouted in the technological community as a response to proprietary software owned by corporations.
These softwares are often developed in a Public, Collaborative manner. In production and development, Open-Source as a development model promotes:
- Universal access via free license to a product’s design;
- Universal redistribution of the software, including subsequent improvements to it by anyone;
- Flexibility to adapt the software;
- Integration with other enterprise systems;
- Transparency of the source code;
- Ongoing enhancements by the developer community…
A software or a website developed with Open-Source technologies can be sustainable and reliable as well as proprietary technologies. The preconceived idea proprietary technology are more reliable or more professional is nowadays not always true.
The licensing system has also been completely changed. An Open-Source program or system (OS) is just as professional, efficient and secure as proprietaries one.
New technologies nowadays have standards that apply to all these languages accessible worldwide.
Commercial-Quality Software
With flexible deployment, the use of Open-Source components allows companies to minimise risks designing and developing software in the form of interoperable Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). They can thus avoid relying on one unique supplier and adapt more easily to new technologies or new business models. Open-Source libraries permit ongoing development of Free Software, distributed under GNU/GPL license, whether social, institutional, personal or merchant.
Several Open-Source products have already demonstrated longevity. In this case the developer community is sizeable and committed to improving their project for the long-term.
As a result, there is scalable improvement of the code and user interface over time, making the product more structured and safe.
Moreover, when an Open-Source technology is successful and becomes widely used (Like Linux and many others), as a result, there is whole business that continuously flourish.
GAFAs also make technologies available to the consumer (Google, FaceBook, Amazon, Apple, etc.) through APIs that can be integrated into IT projects or web applications. Despite everything, Open-Source is not equal to free. Indeed, the source code developed by a start-up, an SME or large companies are undoubtedly subject to copyrights.
