Open Source Software vs Closed Source Software: Which One Is Better?

Title: Open Source Software vs Closed Source Software: Which One Is Better?

Abstract: This study compares open source software development to closed source proprietary software. It examines two famous open source software: the TEX typesetting system and the Linux kernel. The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both types of software and concludes that open source software, with its collaborative development and transparency, generally leads to better software.

Main Research Question: Can we determine which type of software development, open source or closed source, produces better software?

Methodology: The study compares two open source software projects, TEX and the Linux kernel, to closed source software like Adobe's Acrobat Writer and commercial typesetting packages. It examines the quality, robustness, and popularity of these software programs.

Results: The study finds that open source software like TEX and the Linux kernel are more robust, versatile, and widely used than closed source software. They have fewer bugs and are continuously improved by a large community of volunteers. In contrast, closed source software often has a big gap between advertised capability and actual performance, poor reliability, and vendors do not always fix common bugs.

Implications: The study suggests that open source software development, with its collaborative nature and transparency, generally leads to better software. It encourages more scrutiny of software code and invites users to participate in the development and improvement of software.

In conclusion, this study supports the idea that open source software development can lead to better software than closed source proprietary software. It encourages more transparency and collaboration in software development.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0308040v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0308040v1