Presentation Open Source software

The software created is distributed with its source code and is released under a license that allows anyone to use and modify it.

The idea of making source code freely available originated in 1983 while the official starting point is the creation of the Open Source Initiative in 1998. It is a 30 years effective model that has revolutionized the software development industry. It accelerate developers integration and formation and allow new technologies to be deployed fasters among users.

Unlimited group can create their own solution or software
It is not needed to recreate the wheel (open source recycling)
It allows using others Open Source project or individual components.
Open-source software is non-proprietary software that encourage collaboration
Code is readable and can be analysed to prevent security issues

The cost of open-source software is not zero but it is for a fraction of the cost of traditional software development.
Open source is not anarchy, there are several type of licence to manage the usage of an open source code.

How does Open Source software work

Open source software is stored in public repositories where anyone can access, use, and contribute to it. Contributions may improve code, design, or functionality. Releases and versioning ensure quality control and finalized versions for distribution beyond the developer community.

Open source software includes a license that defines its use and modification.

MIT License
GNU General Public License (GPL) 2.0 - more restrictive
Apache License 2.0
GNU General Public License (GPL) 3.0
BSD License 2.0 (3-clause, New or Revised) - less restrictive

When source code is modified, the package must include the changes and methods used. Depending on the license, the modified software may or may not need to be released for free.

Open Source Software examples

Open Source software are very popular and used in all domains. Among the most popular are:

Mozilla Firefox (internet browser)
VLC (media player)
Linux (operating system)
LibreOffice (office applications suite)
Gimp (graphics editor)
Tiki Wiki CMS (content and data management system)
BigBluebutton (virtual classroom software)
Notepad++ (text editor)
Jitsi Meet (video conferencing software)
Audacity (digital audio editor and recording)
...

Pro and cons of Open Source model

Though some aspects are debated, open source has powered life-changing innovation for over decades.

Cost-effective
Secure & transparent
Full control, no vendor lock-in
Easier to improve & adapt
Reusable code supporting sustainability
Collaborative innovation

Requires attention and maintenance
Limited training and documentation
Varying quality of user interfaces
Compatibility challenges
Limited liability, warranties, and support

Open source software often shows varied interfaces or styles, but these inconsistencies diminish as community standards converges. While fixes depend on the vendor proprietary software, open source allows to implement solutions by yourself — you become the next version.

Gaps in training or documentation can be managed by dedicating staff to collaborate with and contribute to the community.

What is and does an Open Source community

Community "style" depends on the project’s goals, and administrators must guide engagement to support rather than hinder progress.

"Contained", driven by a few experts backed by rigorous quality control.
A small, expert team of core developers can deliver precise, high-quality technical solutions with minimal community dependency, occasionally operating in a semi-closed committee model.

"Large", driven by a broad community, with many contributions, ideas, and approaches.
Large projects deliver no fewer quality products, but rely more on the volume of contributions from an active community and members with diverse skills.

Guidelines, and communication tools are essential to keep the community engaged and productive.

The Tiki Wiki project

A web-based software generatorand toolbox for developers, configurators, and users to build tailored applications. Built on proven technologies (PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, Bootstrap, etc.) and enriched with newer ones (VueJS, Rubix AI, Manticore, etc.).

Launched in 2002 with 100+ releases today, Tiki Wiki CMS has evolved from a wiki model with content distribution into a structured data model embedding content, communication tools and feature-rich platform driven by community contributions.

Designed for beginners and experts alike, it offers collaborative editing, expandability, and role-based controls. With no coding required, you can quickly prototype or create custom solutions.

Turn your ideas into working solutions — create, collaborate, and grow

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