What is an example of open source?

[Example of open source software]: 96.3% and 71.1% usage

Finding a reliable example of open source software helps professionals understand how collaborative development models function across the global tech industry. Viewing and modifying source code allows teams to tailor digital tools to specific requirements. Learn which programs follow these licensing models to utilize shared technology while maintaining transparency within your technical infrastructure.

What Is an Example of Open Source Software?

An example of open source software is Android - a mobile operating system whose source code is publicly available and which holds 70.36% of the global smartphone market share.^[1] Other major examples include Linux, WordPress, and Docker, all of which power a significant portion of the internet and modern software infrastructure.

Open-source software means the source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute under licenses such as the GNU General Public License or the Apache License. This collaborative model has reshaped the tech industry. In fact, Linux serves as the foundation for 96.3% of the top one million web servers worldwide, showing how deeply open source underpins the internet you use every day.^[2]

Android: A Massive Example of Open Source Software

Android is one of the most recognizable examples of open source software because its core platform is built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It dominates the smartphone market with 70.36% global market share, ^[3] making it the most widely used mobile operating system in the world.

Manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and others use Android’s open-source code as a base and then customize it for their devices. That flexibility explains its rapid adoption across price ranges. But here’s the interesting part - open source does not mean uncontrolled. Google steers development, yet the code remains accessible for developers worldwide to study and improve. This hybrid control model is often misunderstood.

I remember assuming open source meant chaotic, community-only projects. I was wrong. Android proves that open source can scale globally while maintaining structure. Scale matters.

WordPress: Powering the Modern Web

WordPress is another powerful example of open source software. It powers approximately 42.6% of all websites on the internet, totaling over 570 million sites, ^[4] from personal blogs to enterprise platforms.

Because its source code is open, developers worldwide create themes, plugins, and security improvements that extend its capabilities. This ecosystem approach explains why it remains dominant despite newer website builders. Let’s be honest - I’ve built small sites with WordPress, and the first time I tried installing plugins, I broke the layout completely. It took trial and error to understand compatibility issues. That learning curve is real. But once it clicks, the flexibility is hard to beat.

And here’s something most people overlook - WordPress being open source does not mean it is free of cost in every scenario. Hosting, premium themes, and security hardening can add expenses. The software itself is free. The ecosystem isn’t always.

Linux and Docker: The Backbone of Developers

If you are wondering which software is open source in professional environments, Linux and Docker are prime examples. Linux powers 96.3% of the top one million web servers, while Docker enables software packaging for 71.1% of professional developers today. ^[5]

Linux is an open-source operating system that forms the base for servers, cloud infrastructure, and even Android itself. Docker, on the other hand, packages applications into containers so they run consistently across environments. Sounds technical? It is. But the idea is simple: write once, run anywhere.

When I first deployed a Linux server, I typed one wrong command and locked myself out. Total panic. It taught me two things: open source gives you power - and power demands responsibility. Over time, that control becomes empowering rather than intimidating.

What Makes Software Truly Open Source?

Not every free program is open source. Open-source software must provide access to its source code and allow modification and redistribution under approved licenses. Free software, in contrast, may cost nothing but keep its source code closed.

Here’s the counterintuitive part - some of the world’s most profitable tech companies rely heavily on open-source foundations. They build proprietary services on top of open code. Collaboration and commercialization are not opposites. They often coexist.

Earlier, I mentioned that many people misunderstand open source as chaotic. Here’s the overlooked factor: governance. Successful open-source projects usually have structured leadership models, contribution guidelines, and version control systems like GitHub. Community does not mean disorder.

Popular Open Source Programs Compared

Android

- Mobile operating system

- 71.68% global smartphone market share

- Device manufacturers modify core system for hardware

- Led by Google with open community contributions

WordPress

- Content management system

- Powers 43.5% of all websites

- Extensive plugin and theme marketplace

- Used by bloggers, startups, and enterprises

Linux

- Operating system kernel

- Runs 96.3% of top one million web servers

- Highly customizable distributions

- Foundation of cloud and enterprise infrastructure

Minh’s Journey into Open Source at a Startup in Ho Chi Minh City

Minh, a 26-year-old developer in Ho Chi Minh City, joined a small fintech startup building its backend from scratch. They had limited budget and debated whether to use proprietary software or open-source tools.

At first, Minh pushed for a paid enterprise solution, thinking open source meant unstable. During testing, license costs quickly exceeded their monthly budget, forcing the team to reconsider.

He decided to rebuild the stack using Linux servers and Docker containers. The first deployment failed because environment variables were misconfigured, and he spent a stressful night debugging logs line by line.

Within two months, the system stabilized and infrastructure costs dropped significantly compared to the original proprietary estimate. Minh later admitted the open-source stack not only saved money but gave the team full technical control.