Open source: it’s the little things

I use open source software almost exclusively; at least on the desktop – the phone is another matter, unfortunately. And I do much of things with and on computers. People outside the free software scene are still a little surprised when small programs are free to use and modify, but they are totally skeptical when it comes to the great works of professional software. It’s one thing to write xeyes, but how about something that rivals Photoshop or Altium?

Of course, we all know the answer – mostly. None of the “big” software packages works in exactly the same way as their closed source counterparts, often losing some resources here and gaining some there, or following a different workflow. Okay, different closed-source programs also work differently. I’m not here to argue that GIMP is better than Photoshop, but to point out what I really love about open software: it caters to little ones and girls, niche users and experts. Or rather, it allows them to take care of themselves.

I just started learning FreeCAD for a CNC milling project, and it’s amazing. I used Fusion 360 and, although FreeCAD is not “the same” as Fusion 360, it has most of the features I need. But it is the peculiar features that set it apart.

The central workflow is to choose a “bench” where specific tasks are performed and then you take your share to each bench, operate on it and then move on to the next one you need. But the critical point here is that a good number of benches are contributed for the project opened by people who had specific niche needs. For me, for example, I did most of my 3D modeling for 3D printing using OpenSCAD, which is a niche, but also the language that underlies Thingiverse’s customization functionality. Does Fusion 360 import my OpenSCAD work perfectly? No. FreeCAD? Yes, because some other nerd was in my place.

And then I started thinking about the other big free projects. Inkscape has plug-ins that allow you to create Gcode to operate strange CNC plants or plotters. Why? Because nerds love eggs. GIMP has plug-ins for every image transformation imaginable – things that 99% of graphic artists will never use and therefore Adobe has no incentive to incorporate.

Open source allows you to scratch your own itch and share your solution with others. The paid closed-source software features are driven by the masses: “is this a feature that many of our customers want?” The features of open source software are driven by the bizarre ideas of nerds like me. Live the difference!