Open Source vs. Closed Source? Which one to choose? [closed]
- by Rafal Chmiel
So far, I was always creating open-source applications (or didn't publish them at all) because it was free for me to create a new CodePlex project, and upload everything. Couple of days ago I started wandering what kind of apps should I make, closed or open source. I can see "cons" and "pros" in both such as the ones below:
Open Source:
Pro, free project hosting (CodePlex is excellent for .NET app updates. ClickOnce etc)
Pro, free help such as developers and designers
Con, people can get your source code and (sometimes) use some of your code in their apps and make money
Con, companies such as Microsoft, Twitter or Tumblr won't be looking forward in buying your project (like for example Twitter bought TweetDeck - TweetDeck being a closed source AIR application, of course)
Closed Source:
Pro, it's harder for people to copy your idea without the source code
Pro, you're more likely to get acquired/bought by companies
Con, no free hosting - you have to have a website to do so (not good for updates)
Con, no free help
What do you think? What do you think I should choose?