What are examples of open source?

Examples of open source software: 71% mobile and 94% dev share

Many users rely on examples of open source software daily to navigate the internet and manage digital projects efficiently. Understanding these programs helps individuals avoid high licensing costs and ensures better security through public audits. Learning about these tools protects your data and improves professional development workflows in the modern tech landscape.

What are examples of open source software?

Open source software refers to programs where the source code is publicly accessible for anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance. Common examples include the Linux operating system, Mozilla Firefox, the VLC media player, and the WordPress platform. Most people think they do not use open source, but there is one hidden piece of software you likely touch every 10 minutes - I will reveal why your phone is actually a Linux machine in the Mobile Infrastructure section below.

Understanding these examples helps you realize that the modern digital world runs on community-driven code. From the servers hosting your favorite websites to the tools used to write them, open source is everywhere. It is not just about being free of charge; it is about the freedom to see how the engine works. But lets be honest: not all open source is user-friendly right out of the box.

Foundations of the Internet: Infrastructure and Servers

Linux is the most significant example of open source infrastructure, serving as the backbone for the majority of the worlds computing power. While desktop users often stick to Windows or macOS, the backend of the internet is almost entirely open. It is reliable, secure, and incredibly efficient for heavy workloads.

A staggering 55-61% of the worlds top websites and identifiable servers run on Linux (depending on the source and methodology), highlighting its strong dominance in professional environments.^[1] This adoption exists because developers can customize the kernel to fit specific hardware needs without paying licensing fees. I remember the first time I tried to set up a Linux server - I accidentally deleted my entire directory because I typed one command wrong. It was a nightmare. But that struggle taught me more about file systems than any textbook ever could. Mistakes are part of the process.

Apache and Nginx Web Servers

The software that actually delivers web pages to your browser is often open source as well. Apache and Nginx are the two primary players here. Together, they handle the vast majority of web traffic globally. They are designed to be modular, meaning you can add features like security layers or compression easily.

Combined, these two tools power over 60% of all active websites on the internet.^[2] Nginx specifically has seen massive growth in recent years because it handles high-concurrency connections better than older technology. If you have ever visited a high-traffic news site during a major event, you were likely using Nginx without knowing it. It just works.

The Hidden Open Source: Mobile and Development Tools

Android is the worlds most popular mobile operating system, and it is built on the open-source Linux kernel. This is the resolution to the loop I mentioned earlier: if you have an Android phone, you are carrying a Linux computer in your pocket. The core of Android, known as the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), allows manufacturers like Samsung or Google to build their own unique interfaces on top of a shared foundation.

Android currently holds a global market share of roughly 71%, making it the dominant force in mobile computing.^[3] This openness allowed mobile technology to spread rapidly in developing markets where expensive proprietary licenses would have been a barrier. It changed everything. Suddenly, billions of people had access to the internet through a system that anyone could theoretically audit for security.

Git: The Developer's Time Machine

Git is the version control system used by almost every software team today. It allows developers to track changes, revert to previous versions, and collaborate on the same code simultaneously. Created by Linus Torvalds (the same person behind Linux), it has become the industry standard for managing complexity.

Approximately 94% of professional developers use Git as their primary version control tool.^[4] In my experience, Git is the most frustrating tool to learn - until the moment it saves your job. I once deleted three days of work by mistake, but because I had been committing my changes to Git, I recovered everything in ten seconds. I literally breathed a sigh of relief that I felt in my chest. It is a safety net you cannot live without.

Desktop and Creativity: Alternatives to Big Tech

You do not need to be a coder to use open source examples daily. Many desktop applications provide high-quality open-source equivalent to Microsoft Office. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet tool, and presentation software that can read and write standard .docx or .xlsx files.

While specific desktop market share is lower than its server counterparts, LibreOffice has been downloaded more than 200 million times globally. Many government organizations in Europe have switched to it to avoid vendor lock-in. My take? It is 90% as good as Microsoft Word for 100% less money. For a student or a small business owner, that is a massive win.

GIMP and Blender: Creative Powerhouses

For creative work, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a popular alternative to Photoshop, while Blender is used for 3D modeling and animation. Blender, in particular, has become so powerful that it is now used in major Hollywood film productions for visual effects. It is a testament to what a dedicated community can build.

Blender is now widely used by individual 3D artists (with surveys showing high usage rates in certain communities), a number that has grown significantly over the last five years.^[5] I tried GIMP first because I could not afford a Photoshop subscription. To be honest, the interface was confusing at first - I hated it for two days. But once I learned the keyboard shortcuts, I realized I could do almost everything I needed for free. Dont let a steep learning curve scare you away from great tools.

Open Source vs. Proprietary Software

Open Source (e.g., LibreOffice, Linux, GIMP)

- Transparent code allows for public audits, meaning hidden tracking or backdoors are harder to hide.

- Usually free to download, use, and redistribute for personal or commercial use.

- Can sometimes feel less 'polished' or consistent compared to paid software.

- Full access to source code allows developers to fix bugs or add custom features themselves.

Proprietary (e.g., MS Office, Windows, Photoshop)

- Users must trust the company's privacy policy, as the underlying code cannot be inspected.

- Requires one-time purchase or recurring monthly/annual subscription fees.

- Typically features a very smooth, professional design with consistent user experience.

- Source code is a 'black box' - users must wait for the company to release updates or fixes.

Small Business Migration: From Subscriptions to Freedom

Minh, owner of a small design shop in Da Nang, was struggling with rising monthly software subscription costs that ate 15% of his monthly profit. He decided to switch his five employees to an entirely open-source workflow using Linux and GIMP.

The first week was a disaster. Employees complained that the GIMP interface was 'clunky' compared to Photoshop, and one project was delayed by two days because they could not find a specific filter tool. Minh almost gave up.

Instead of reverting, he realized the team just needed proper training. He spent a weekend setting up 'Photoshop-like' shortcut configurations for GIMP and held a 2-hour workshop. The breakthrough came when the team realized they could batch-process images 40% faster using simple scripts.

After six months, Minh saved over $2,000 USD in licensing fees. His team is now faster at basic tasks, and the money saved allowed him to upgrade their hardware monitors, improving overall work quality.