Literally translated “open source”. Source refers to the program code of a software, as the basis for all programs. Open source software can therefore be viewed by anyone. Figuratively speaking: The restaurant that publishes its recipes or the magician who reveals his tricks. Example Android. Anyone can view the program code (source code) of Android, download it, modify it and, of course, use it.
If you are looking for the iOS source code, you might find it somewhere on an illegal platform, but it is not published. It’s a well-kept secret from Apple (we’re talking proprietary code here). Just like Coca Cola protects the recipe for its miracle drink.
Especially in the area of CMS (Content Management Systems) there are a variety of open source offers: WordPress, TYPO3, Drupal and Joomla to mention a few of the most popular. However, there are also many proprietary systems, some of which have high license costs: Moveable Type, Sitecore or Pulse CMS. There are also many small systems that are developed by an agency and used for customer projects.
Advantages of open source
General statements are always difficult to make, but in principle open source has a positive effect on:
- Security, because anyone can look at the source code and security gaps cannot be concealed.
- The risk of clumping is minimized. A website that has been created can easily be moved to another developer (with the appropriate knowledge).
- Very wide range of functions
- Flexibility
- Very good documentation and in many cases a helpful community
Disadvantages of open source
- Very different quality standards. Anyone can take part, from beginners to professionals. Appropriate caution is therefore required when selecting modules.
- Usability is not quite as polished and polished in some corners
- There is no guarantee
We at Wundernetz believe that there are two proven systems in the field of content management systems: WordPress or Kirby CMS. We don’t do in-house developments for such basic things.