Open-source software: a directory of the best alternatives

Open source software has long been a foundation of the digital world. From early advocates like Richard Stallman promoting free software to today’s global developer communities, open source code has shaped how we work and live.

After years of proprietary software dominating the market, users are returning to open source projects for flexibility, security, and transparency. Closed source software often traps businesses in proprietary licensing, while open source programs enable derivative works and continuous innovation.

At Baserow, we see this shift daily. Open source offers long term value and independence, helping teams control their data and workflows. This directory highlights open-source software alternatives to proprietary products, showing how licensing, collaboration, and use cases drive the modern software landscape.

Why open-source matters in software development

Open source software oss refers to programs whose open source code is freely available to view, modify, and share. It thrives on community contributions and drives innovation in software development.

Unlike proprietary software tied to a proprietary product, open source projects emphasize transparency. An open source operating system like Linux, for instance, lets users customize environments in ways closed source software cannot.

The open source initiative, founded in the 1990s, set standards for free distribution, access to source code, and derivative works. Copyleft licensing, such as the GNU General Public License, ensures improvements remain open to future users.

For businesses, open source programs bring rapid innovation and avoid the vendor lock-in of proprietary licensing, supporting long term flexibility. At Baserow, we extend these principles by giving non-technical teams no-code access to databases, bridging technical and business needs within a collaborative ecosystem.

The database of open-source alternatives

One of the challenges in adopting open source is simply knowing what’s out there. With so many tools available, from productivity apps to enterprise-level infrastructure, choosing the right solution can be overwhelming.

To make this easier, we’ve built a structured database of open-source alternatives to proprietary software. This directory includes over 100 open source programs, organized into categories that mirror the tools we use daily. Examples include:

• Productivity and note-taking: Replacing closed source software with open source solutions like Joplin.
• Spreadsheets and databases: Moving from proprietary licensing models to open projects like Baserow, designed for teams that want flexibility and control.
• Operating systems: Popular options like Linux or BSD, which remain the backbone of modern computing.
• Team collaboration and project management: Tools like Taiga and Mattermost offering transparent, adaptable alternatives.
• CMS and website builders: From WordPress to Ghost, proving that open source dominates digital publishing.

The database allows users to explore in both Grid View and Gallery View, giving a clear comparison between proprietary product offerings and open source alternatives. Each entry includes not only the name and description but also the open source licenses under which the software operates.

This initiative builds on a core open source principle: knowledge should be shared. Just as code repositories make projects accessible to contributors, structured directories help both newcomers and experts find the right tools. By curating and updating this list, we hope to provide a long term resource that reduces the friction of exploring OSS.

For those curious about the benefits of this approach, we recommend diving into The benefits of open source software, where we break down how openness translates to business and community gains.

Understanding open source software licensing

Licensing is central to open source adoption. While free software and open source are often confused, open source licenses define what users and developers can do.

Licenses like MIT, Apache, and the GNU General Public License grant access to source code and derivative works but differ in redistribution. The GNU General Public License enforces copyleft licensing, requiring that changes stay open, while permissive licenses like MIT allow integration into proprietary software without releasing modifications.

Richard Stallman, a pioneer of the free software movement, emphasized the ethical role of licensing, shaping today’s balance between freedom and business needs. Open source software licensing promotes innovation and community progress, whereas proprietary licensing limits flexibility. For more on this balance, see our article on Open source no-code.

Examples of open source projects

Open source programs span every area of technology. Whether you’re running an operating system, managing projects, or hosting websites, there’s often a robust OSS alternative to proprietary software.

Here are a few notable categories and examples:

• Operating systems: Linux remains the most widely recognized open source operating system, powering everything from smartphones to servers. Its adaptability demonstrates the strength of community-driven development.
• Productivity tools: Joplin for note-taking or OnlyOffice for word processing offer strong replacements for closed source software.
• Customer support and collaboration: Tools like Chatwoot or Mattermost serve as alternatives to traditional proprietary product suites.
• CMS and website builders: WordPress and Ghost are leading examples that transformed digital publishing.
• Databases: PostgreSQL and Baserow provide flexible, open alternatives to proprietary database platforms.

These examples highlight how open source projects extend far beyond software development into everyday workflows. They also show the power of community involvement.

The Baserow community is a prime illustration of this. Users don’t just adopt the tool; they actively shape its evolution. In one discussion, members debated which no-code platform is their preference, offering insights into real-world needs that help improve the product. This type of participation ensures that open source projects remain relevant and adaptable.

The future of OSS and long-term adoption

The momentum behind OSS shows no signs of slowing. More businesses are recognizing the value of transparency, flexibility, and independence from proprietary licensing. With open source software oss, organizations avoid vendor lock-in, reduce costs, and maintain the ability to audit or adapt code for their needs.

Long term adoption depends on active communities, strong governance, and supportive licensing. When these elements align, open source projects outlast many proprietary products. Linux, PostgreSQL, and WordPress have all demonstrated how sustained contributions can lead to global adoption.

At Baserow, we’ve seen how open source principles create a foundation for trust. By keeping the source code open and encouraging contributions, we ensure that the platform grows with its users. Whether it’s small businesses building custom workflows or large teams replacing outdated proprietary software, OSS offers an adaptable, future-proof path.

For a quick primer, you can also watch Open Source Explained, which breaks down the basics of community-driven software.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are examples of open source software? Examples include Linux (operating system), WordPress (content management system), PostgreSQL (database), and Baserow (no-code database platform).

• What is an open source software system? An open source software system is any application or framework built on open source code, available under open source licenses that allow modification and redistribution.

• Is ChatGPT open source software? ChatGPT itself is not open source software, though it was trained on a variety of open source projects and datasets. Some open source alternatives, however, are emerging in the AI space.

• Is Google open source software? Google as a company is not open source, but it contributes significantly to the ecosystem. Projects like Chromium (the basis of Chrome) and Kubernetes are examples of Google-led open source initiatives.

Why open source is the future

Open source software has redefined how we build, use, and collaborate on technology. By embracing openness, it offers an alternative to the restrictions of closed source software and proprietary licensing. From operating systems to databases and productivity tools, open source projects empower individuals and businesses alike to create flexible, sustainable solutions.

The directory of alternatives we’ve compiled is just one step in making the ecosystem more accessible. We invite you to explore, contribute, and discover tools that fit your needs.

If you’re ready to try an open source solution that combines simplicity with power, explore Baserow. It’s a database platform designed to help you build custom workflows without coding while keeping full control of your data.

Start building today with Baserow.