Open-Source Software Development and Community Management : Benefits and Challenges, Community Management Strategies

Abstract

Open-source software (OSS) development has transformed the software industry by promoting collaboration, transparency, and community-driven innovation. Unlike proprietary software, OSS allows developers worldwide to contribute, modify, and distribute code freely, leading to faster development cycles and cost-effective solutions. This thesis explores the benefits and challenges of OSS development, focusing on innovation, cost efficiency, security, and governance models. Special attention is given to the role of community engagement and management strategies in sustaining successful OSS projects. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study examines how organizations, developers, and businesses leverage OSS to drive technological advancements while addressing issues such as contributor retention, funding, and security vulnerabilities.

The findings highlight that strong community governance, effective collaboration tools, and inclusive development practices are essential for the long-term sustainability of OSS projects. While OSS provides economic and technical advantages, challenges such as project maintainability, security risks, and licensing complexities must be carefully managed. This research contributes to the growing discussion on OSS best practices, providing insights for developers, businesses, and policymakers interested in fostering sustainable and innovative OSS ecosystems