Many people have heard of open source software, and may know something about it, like that it’s free, but not everyone knows all of the benefits of open source systems. Open source software is used by millions of people a day. Popular open source software packages include WordPress and Joomla (blogging and content management tools), and OS Cart and Zencart (eCommerce tools).

The idea behind open source is that the source code of a program is open for anyone to see. Most programming languages actually require that an application be compiled – taken from the already complex programming language to the binary  from that a computer can understand before it can be run. It is very hard or even impossible to reverse this process, so software can be sold without the risk of people being able to revert it to the source code. This protects the creator’s copyright on the source code.

With open source software, the creator intentionally releases the programming code to the public. The major benefit for most people is that the program is free. The more technical benefit is that thousands of programmers can look at the source code and make suggestions and revisions. Rather than just wanting a feature, they can actually write that feature themselves. They can then distribute the software with their added feature, as well as submit it back to the creator for inclusion in the next version of the software. This means that open source software is constantly being refined and improved. Balka Labs offers installation and customization of open source software, so that you can benefit from its many advantages.