The Real Value of Open-Source Software: It’s More Than Just Code
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Summary (TL;DR)
The article argues that open-sourcing code is not a threat because the real value of software lies in the developer's experience and expertise, not the code itself. The code is just a snapshot, an artifact from the developer's brain. A competitor can copy the code but cannot copy the knowledge and vision that created it. The true value comes from the ability to maintain and improve the software over time, generating compound interest. Copiers only get static value, missing ongoing improvements. The author notes that protecting code still matters, and there are practical reasons to open-source beyond just making it open. The piece also calls for funding open-source software and valuing contributors' learning journeys, not just their pull requests.
Should you be concerned about open-sourcing your code? Is the value of software only in the code itself? Let's explore the idea that the real value of software lies in the experience and expertise of the developers who created it.
The software's source code is an artifact from the developer’s brain. The developer could be a whole team, organisation or indie dev. The interactions of the neurons within the brain — or the people composing the team — are the real intellectual property. This means code could be available for anyone to copy. That includes final artifacts but not certain sensitive information like company contact details, passwords, proprietary formulas or algorithms.
What do you mean?
While the code has value, it’s important to understand that it’s merely a snapshot of the developer’s experience and expertise. Someone may copy the code but can never copy the experience and knowledge that went into creating it. Here's what makes the software truly valuable: the ability to be maintained.
Imagine losing the ability to maintain your software — you lose the ability to generate compound interest to increase the value of the software. Those who copy the software will only get the static value of the code, not the ongoing improvements that the developer could have made, as they lack the initial vision that went into creating that software in the first place.
The software’s source code is an artifact from the neurons of the developer’s brain
The point is not to say that the code has no value but rather that the value lies beyond it. We tend to underestimate the importance of the developer’s experience and expertise in improving the software. Instead of stressing over the artifact, there are other important things to focus on.
So…
I'm not saying the code doesn't matter; of course, it does! Also, there are many reasons why you would Open Source your code for practical reasons instead of merely to make it open for the sake of making it open.
The point is this: software is more than just the code — it’s the experience and expertise of the developers that add value over time. While protecting your code is important, it’s equally important to remember that the real value lies in your ability to add more value to it over time. By embracing the true value of open-source software, we can create more sustainable and innovative software for everyone without spending time with the neurosis that every single line of code should be hidden from everyone else. Also, we'll help and value contributors and their learning journey more than merely giving them credibility after they submit a good PR.
Also, we can better understand the importance of funding Open Source software instead of just consuming and having Open Source developers living below the poverty line. Using the code that's there is not enough to generate significant value without the expertise of those who contribute to it.
That is a valuable service that organizations can pay to get.
