In a JavaScript server-side runtime environment, this error usually results from the use of import syntax for modules written in ECMAScript (ES) when Node.js is expecting the require keyword used by CommonJS module system.

TypeScript supports different module formats, but coding errors that confuse the ES and CommonJS approaches to importing modules also result in this error.

On the browser side, the error typically occurs when you don’t use a bundler for your JavaScript code files.

This article explores these three error sources and details a solution for each environment.

How To Resolve the Error in Server-Side JavaScript

This section demonstrates how to solve the error in server-side JavaScript environments.

Background

Node.js uses the CommonJS system’s require keyword by default. Therefore, you’ll receive the familiar error unless you configure Node.js to support ES module syntax. Similarly, Node.js requires the .mjs extension to recognize and work with ES modules.

Solution

As an alternative to using .mjs, you can make older versions of Node.js compatible with the current ES module by using bundlers or running Node.js with the --experimental-modules flag. Otherwise, you could set the type field in the package.json file to module as follows:

{
  "name": "test-package",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "type": "module",
  "main": "app.js",
  "dependencies": { }
}

(Note: You should include the type property in the package.json file in all packages. This practice makes it easier to identify the module system in use and ensure consistency among your libraries.)

Another way to avoid the error is to ensure that the import and export syntaxes are correct and load properly. It’s critical to always use relative file paths, named exports, file extensions for exports, and avoid default exports.

Here’s an example:

//module import 
import { sampleFunction } from './sampleModule.js';

// function export
export function sampleFunction() {
     // code goes here
}

Finally, you should ensure the compatibility of all third-party libraries with ES modules. For this information, refer to the library documentation for the package.json file. Alternatively, use a bundler to transpile the code so a JavaScript environment can understand it.

How To Resolve the Error in TypeScript Environments

This section demonstrates how to solve the error message in TypeScript environments.

Background

With modules, you can reuse, organize, and share code among multiple files in a project. ES supports external modules for sharing code among various files using the import and export keywords.

This error usually occurs in TypeScript environments when using the ES module syntax without configuring TypeScript to use it. Since TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, it defaults to using CommonJS syntax for imports, which uses require instead of import. In this case, the import statement causes the error. Nevertheless, correctly configuring TypeScript is necessary for it to support ES modules.

You might also encounter this error if you use the incorrect file extension. For instance, when using TypeScript in a Node.js environment with ES module syntax, the module you want to import must have the .mjs file extension instead of the regular .js.

Another common source of the error is the improper configuration of the module field in your tsconfig.json or package.json files when using bundlers like Webpack. However, you can use bundlers for ES modules in TypeScript by setting the module and target fields in the tsconfig.json file to ECMAScript. Then, Webpack will understand the target environment and use the correct file extensions when transpiling the code.

Solution

To load ES modules using a module loader like RequireJS or a bundler like Webpack, make the following additions to the tsconfig.json file:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "module": "es20215",
    "target": "es20215",
    "sourceMap": true
  }
}

In the compilerOptions portion of the code above, the module and target fields are set to use an es20215 module. With these additions, you can use the import and export statements in a TypeScript environment without causing the error.

As TypeScript uses CommonJS by default, failing to modify the tsconfig.json file accordingly will result in the error message.

Fortunately, once you’ve set the module and target fields to use an ECMAScript module, you can use the export statement to export a function or variable from a module and the import statement to load another module into the current one’s scope. This process occurs in the code below:

// sum.ts
export function sum(a: number, b: number, c: number): number {
  return a + b + c;
}

// main.ts
import { sum } from './sum';
console.log(add(4, 4, 9));

If you’re using an older version of Node.js, you can enable ES module support by running your code with the --experimental-modules flag. You should also use a bundler like Webpack, Browserify, or Rollup to bundle all the ES code and output it to a single file. Ensure that it’s in a version that browsers and old Node.js versions can understand and set up a Webpack.config.js file in the root of your project that specifies the module type.

Here’s an example extracted from the Webpack documentation:

module.exports = {
  entry: './src/index.ts',
  output: {
    filename: 'bundle.js',
   path: path.resolve(__dirname, 'dist')
  },
  resolve: {
    extensions: ['.ts', '.js', '.mjs']
  },
  module: {
    rules: [
      {
        test: /.ts$/,
        use: 'ts-loader',
        exclude: /node_modules/
      }
    ]
  },
  experiments: {
    outputModule: true
  }
};

The compiled code is output to a bundle.js file in the dist directory of the project’s root directory.

You can also use polyfills like es-module-shims to target older browsers that don’t support ES modules’ import and export statements.

How To Resolve the Error in Browser-Side JavaScript

This section shows you how to solve the error in browser-side JavaScript environments.

Background

Most modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, support ES modules, so you won’t need to use browser polyfills, bundlers, or transpilers.

You also don’t need them if you use the React or Vue JavaScript-based frontend libraries because they support the ES imports and exports fields by default. However, older browsers don’t support ES syntax, so they require these tools for cross-platform compatibility.

The most prevalent reason for the error in an older browser is when a page’s HTML files do not contain the type="module" attribute. In this scenario, the error occurs because JavaScript running on the web doesn’t include default support for ES module syntax. For JavaScript code sent across the wire, you might encounter a cross-origin resource-sharing error when attempting to load an ES module from a different domain.

Solution

To prevent the module error in an older browser, ensure that you’re using the correct script tag attribute — type="module" — in the root HTML file. Alternatively, you can use Webpack to transpile the code so that older browsers can understand it.

To use the type="module" attribute, include the following line in your root HTML file:

<script type="module" src="app.js"></script>

It’s equally critical to ensure the import file paths are valid and that you’re using the correct import syntax.

Additionally, you can visit sites like Can I Use to confirm browser compatibility for ES modules.

Finally, since using the .js file extension is common practice, you can set the type attribute in the module’s HTML file script tag as a workaround. Setting this attribute to module tells the browser to disregard the .js extension and treat the file as a module.

Summary

The “Cannot use import statement outside a module” error may appear for various reasons, depending on whether you’re in a browser-side or server-side JavaScript environment. Incorrect syntax, improper configurations, and unsupported file extensions remain a few of the most common sources of this error.

While most modern browsers support ES modules, you must ensure that older browsers are compatible. Bundlers like Webpack allow you to compile all source code with their dependencies to a single output that older browsers can understand.

Remember to add the type="module" attribute in the HTML file to inform the browser that the module is an ES module. Finally, while using the .js extension for CommonJS is the default practice, you can use the .mjs extension to enable importing ES modules.

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The post Solved: “Cannot Use Import Statement Outside a Module” Error appeared first on Kinsta®.

One popular method is to use JavaScript Style Sheets (JSS), which lets you write CSS styles in JavaScript. JSS has several advantages, including using variables, JavaScript expressions, and functions to create dynamic styles and themes.

This article explores how JSS works, its benefits, and how to use it in your JavaScript applications. It also discusses dynamic styling, theming, and performance optimization. You can use JSS with many kinds of apps, but in this article, we’ll focus on JSS for React.

What Is JSS?

With JSS, you can write CSS styles as JavaScript objects and use these objects as class names in elements or components. JSS is framework-agnostic so you can use it in vanilla JavaScript or with frameworks like React and Angular.

JSS has several advantages over traditional CSS styling:

• Dynamic styling — With JSS, you can manipulate styles based on user interactions or values such as props or context. JavaScript functions help you dynamically generate styles in the browser depending on the application state, external data, or browser APIs.

• Improved theming capabilities — You can create styles specific to a particular theme using JSS. For example, you can create styles for a light and dark theme and then apply these theme-specific styles to the entire application according to user preferences. If you’re using React, the React-JSS package supports context-based theme propagation. You can define and manage the theme in one place before passing the theme information down the component tree using a theme provider.

• Improved maintainability — By defining styles in JavaScript objects, you can group related styles in one location and import them into your application when needed. This approach reduces code duplication and improves code organization, making it easier to maintain styles over time.

• Real CSS — JSS generates actual CSS rather than inline styles that can be messy and hard to manage. JSS uses unique class names by default, which helps you avoid naming collisions caused by the global nature of CSS.

How To Write Styles With JSS

This article is based on a React project. It uses the react-jss package, which integrates JSS with React using the Hooks API. react-jss comes with the default plugins and lets you use JSS with minimal setup.

Basic Syntax and Use of JSS in React

To use JSS in React, first, install the react-jss package using a package manager such as npm or Yarn.

The syntax for writing styles in JSS involves defining CSS rules for specific elements within a JavaScript object. For example, the following code defines the styles for a button in a React app.

const styles = {
      button: {
            padding: "10px 20px",
            background: "#f7df1e",
            textAlign: "center",
            border:"none"
      }
};

Note: The CSS properties are in camelcase.

To apply these styles to an HTML element:

1. Generate the classes by passing the styles to the createUseStyles() method from react-jss:

import { createUseStyles } from "react-jss";
const styles = {
       button: {
             padding: "10px 20px",
             background: "#f7df1e",
             textAlign: "center",
             border:"none"
       }
};
const useStyles = createUseStyles(styles);

2. Apply the CSS to the button element using the generated class name:

const App = () = > {
      const classes = useStyles();
      return (
            < button className={classes.button} > </button >
      );
};

This code creates a React component and applies the styles in the styles object.

How To Handle Pseudo-Classes, Media Queries, and Keyframes

JSS supports all existing CSS features, including pseudo-classes, media queries, and keyframes. Use the same syntax as regular CSS style rules to define styles for these features.

Pseudo-Classes

For example, suppose you want to add a hover pseudo-class to the button to change the background color when a user moves their mouse over it. The following code implements this pseudo-class so the button background turns light green on hover:

const styles = {
      button: {
            padding: "10px 20px",
            background: "#f7df1e",
            textAlign: "center",
            border:"none",
            '&:hover': {
                  backgroundColor: 'lightgreen',
            }
     }
};

Keyframes

Likewise, you can apply a keyframe animation to a component using the @keyframes rule. For example, below is a style object for a spinning component.

const styles = {
       '@keyframes spin': {
             '0%': {
                   transform: 'rotate(0deg)',
             },
             '100%': {
                   transform: 'rotate(360deg)',
             },
       },
       spinner: {
              width: "100px",
              height: "100px",
              backgroundColor: "lightgreen",
              animation: '$spin 1s linear infinite',
       },
}

Within the styles function, you defined a keyframe animation named spin using the @keyframes rule. Then, you create a class called spinner that applies the animation using the $ syntax to reference the keyframe animation.

Media Queries

Media queries also use the usual CSS syntax in JSS. For example, to change a button’s font size at a specific screen size, use the following styles:

const styles = {
      button: {
            fontSize: "12px",
            '@media (max-width: 768px)': {
                  fontSize: '34px',
            },
      }
};

As you’ve just seen, writing styles in JSS isn’t that different to writing plain CSS. However, its advantage is that you can leverage the power of JavaScript to make your styles dynamic.

Dynamic Styling with JSS

Dynamic styling means creating styles that change in response to specific conditions. In React, the styles may change depending on values such as state, props, and component context.

How To Create Dynamic Styles with JSS

In JSS, you can conditionally apply styles to your elements with JavaScript expressions to create dynamic style rules.

Say you have a button that receives a prop called bgColor. Its value is the button’s background color. To create a style rule that changes the button’s background color based on the prop, pass the props to the useStyles method.

import { createUseStyles } from "react-jss"

const styles = {
      button: {
            padding: "10px 20px",
            background: props = >props.bgColor,
            textAlign: "center",
            border:"none"
      }
};
const Button = ({...props}) => {
  
      const useStyles = createUseStyles(styles);
      const classes = useStyles({...props});
      return (
            <button className={classes.button}>Button </button>
      );
};

Then, you can reference the props in the styles object. The example above references props.bgColor.

You can pass the background color you want when you render the component. The component below renders two Button components with lightgreen and yellow background colors.

export default function App() {
  return (
    <div >
      <Button bgColor="lightgreen" />
      <div style={{ marginTop: "10px" }}></div>
      <Button bgColor="yellow" />
    </div>
  );
}

Each time you render the Button component, you can style the background as you like.

You can also change the styles based on a component’s state. Suppose you have a navigation menu with several link items. To highlight the link for the current page, define a state value called isActive that keeps track of whether a menu link item is active.

You can then use a JavaScript ternary operator to check the value of isActive, setting the link’s color to blue if the state is true and red if false.

const styles = {
      a: {
             color: ({ isActive }) => isActive ? 'blue' : 'red',
             padding: '10px',
      },
};

Now, active links become blue, inactive links become red.

Similarly, you can create dynamic styling based on context. You may style an element, like UserContext, based on the value of a context that stores the user’s online status.

const { online } = useContext(UserContext);
const styles = {
      status: {
            background: online ? 'lightgreen' : '',
            width: '20px',
            height: '20px',
            borderRadius: "50%",
            display: online ? 'flex' : 'hidden'
      },
};

In this example, the element has a green background if the user is online. You set the display property to flex if the user is online and hidden if the user is offline.

Use Cases for Dynamic Styling

Dynamic styling is a powerful feature of JSS that has many use cases:

• Theming — You can define styles based on a theme object, such as a light theme and a dark theme, and pass it down to components as a prop or context value.
• Conditional rendering — JSS lets you define styles based on specific values. You can create styles that only apply under certain conditions — such as when a button is disabled, a text field is in an error state, a side navigation menu is open, or when a user is online.
• Responsive design — You can use dynamic styling in JSS to change an element’s style based on the viewport’s width. For example, you could define a set of styles for a specific breakpoint using media queries and apply them conditionally based on the screen size.

How To Use Themes with JSS

Use themes to provide a consistent user interface across your whole application. It’s easy to create themes in JSS — simply define a theme object with global style values, such as colors, typography, and spacing. For example:

const theme = {
      colors: {
            primary: '#007bff',
            secondary: '#6c757d',
            light: '#f8f9fa',
            dark: '#343a40',
       },
       typography: {
             fontFamily: 'Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif',
             fontSize: '16px',
             fontWeight: 'normal',
       },
       spacing: {
             small: '16px',
             medium: '24px',
             large: '32px',
       },
};

To apply themes to your components, use context providers. The JSS library provides a ThemeProvider component you can wrap around components that need access to the theme.

The following example wraps the Button with the ThemeProvider component and passes the theme object as a prop.

import { ThemeProvider } from "react-jss";
const App = () => (
      <ThemeProvider theme={theme}>
            <Button />
      </ThemeProvider>
)

You can access the theme in the Button component using a useTheme() hook and pass it to the useStyles object. The example below uses the styles defined in the theme object to create a primary button.

import { useTheme } from “react-jss”

const useStyles = createUseStyles({
  primaryButton: {
    background: ({ theme }) => theme.colors.primary,
    font: ({ theme }) => theme.typography.fontFamily,
    fontSize: ({ theme }) => theme.typography.fontSize,
    padding: ({ theme }) => theme.spacing.medium
  }
});

const Button = () => {
      const theme = useTheme()
      const classes = useStyles({theme})
      return (
            <div>
              <button className={classes.primaryButton}> Primary Button </button>
            </div>

      )
}

The button should look like the image below, with black text on a rectangular, blue button.

If you changed any of the values in the theme object, that would automatically trigger new styles to apply to all components wrapped with the ThemeProvider component. If you change the primary color’s value to lightgreen, the button’s color also changes to light green, like in the image below.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when creating themes:

• Define the theme object in a separate file to keep the code organized and easy to maintain.
• Use descriptive names for style values to make the theme object easy to read and update.
• Use CSS variables to define values you often use across your CSS.
• Create default values for all style properties to maintain a consistent design across your application.
• Thoroughly test your themes to ensure they work as intended on all devices and browsers.

By following these best practices, you’ll create a theme that’s simple to use and easy to update as your application grows.

Performance and Optimization

JSS is a performant styling solution. With JSS, only the styles currently used on-screen are added to the Document Object Model (DOM), which reduces the DOM size and speeds up rendering. JSS also caches rendered styles, which means JSS compiles CSS only once, improving performance even more.

You can take advantage of additional performance optimizations using the react-jss package instead of the JSS core package. For example, react-jss removes the stylesheets when the component is unmounted. It also handles critical CSS extraction and only extracts styles from rendered components. That’s how the react-jss package reduces the CSS bundle size and improves load times.

To further reduce the CSS bundle size, use code splitting to load only the CSS that a specific page or component needs. A library like loadable-components  can simplify code splitting.

JSS also lets you generate CSS server-side. You can aggregate and stringify the attached CSS using the StyleSheet registry class from JSS, then send the rendered components and CSS string to the client. After launching the application, the static CSS is no longer needed, and you can remove it, reducing the bundle size.

Summary

You’ve learned the basics of JSS syntax, how to create and apply style objects to components, and how to create dynamic styles. You also know how to use the ThemeProvider component to apply themes and improve performance in JSS. Now you can use JSS to create reusable, maintainable, and dynamic styles that adapt to various conditions.

The post Style Your React Website With JSS appeared first on Kinsta®.

Software can have similar restrictions, making classified information a helpful analogy in the comparison of open source and closed-source software. With open and closed source, the specific information we’re talking about is code.

Open source code is readily available to the general public. Closed source code is only available to a restricted audience, like classified information.

This article will provide a detailed overview of the differences between open source vs closed source software.

We’ll look at definitions, explore pros and cons, and cover similarities and differences. By the end, it should be clear which kind of software you should use.

What Is Open Source Software?

Open source software, often abbreviated as OSS, is an intriguing part of the tech world. To fully understand it, we need to take a step back and explore the concept of ‘source code.’ Source code is the fundamental component of software. It’s the behind-the-scenes instruction set written in a human-readable programming language that tells software how to function.

The term ‘open source’ refers to software whose source code is freely available to the public. The Open Source Initiative (OSI) describes it as software that can be freely used, changed, and shared (in modified or unmodified form) by anyone.

Now, this doesn’t mean all open source software is free of cost, though many are. It means that the source code is open for you to see, learn from, and even alter.

When source code is open to public scrutiny, anyone can inspect it, which can lead to more robust and secure software. Bugs or issues can be spotted and fixed by anyone with the skills and interest.

The mission of OSI is to promote and protect open source software and communities, and they have a deep belief in the potential of open source to spur innovation, increase software quality, and benefit users. They emphasize that open source isn’t just about access to the source code but about the collaborative community that comes with it.

Open Source Software Pros

There are plenty of pros to using open source software, especially if you are looking to fill out your tech stack without breaking the bank. Here are some of the pros of using open source software:

Cost-Effective

Volunteers are the backbone of open source software. They give their time to the projects for free, which is reflected in the cost. Many pieces of software are completely free of charge, and those that aren’t often only incur a nominal fee when compared to proprietary alternatives sold for profit.

Community Support

Open source projects often have a dedicated community of users and developers who can provide support when needed. As long as there’s enough interest in the software, you’ll find people willing to help with questions and contribute to its continued development.

Education

Open source software is an invaluable resource for learning. By allowing access to the source code, it enables people to learn for free by studying and understanding the work of others. This can be particularly useful for students and new developers, who may, in turn, continue to support the software for many years.

Innovation

The open source community is made up of diverse individuals from all around the world, leading to a wide range of ideas and perspectives. This global collaboration can result in innovative solutions and improvements, contributing to the overall quality of the software.

Privacy

Open source software usually offers better privacy than closed-source alternatives. Since the source code is available for everyone to see, any attempts to track users or collect data are visible to all. And there is generally less of an incentive for open source projects to track users.

You Can Contribute

You can make an open source contribution at any time. You just need to find the project you want to contribute to and go from there.

Open Source Software Cons

Now, let’s take a quick look at the cons of using open source software.

Less Reliable Support

One downside to open source software is that support can be less reliable than with proprietary options. Users often have to rely on other users for help, search forums for answers, or navigate through available guides and documentation online.

Security Issues

The debate on whether open source or closed source software presents more security risks is ongoing. However, it’s important to recognize that there are potential security issues in both cases. For instance, the Log4J vulnerability demonstrated how even unpaid workers can complicate the argument for open source software security.

While open source software has its pros and cons, it has undeniably made a significant impact on the world of software development.

What Are Some Examples of Open Source Software?

Here are some key examples of open source software that you might have come across:

• Linux: One of the original drivers of open source software, Linux is an operating system known for its stability and security. It’s widely used in server environments, and its influence can be seen in other open source projects.
• WordPress: WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS). It’s highly customizable and used by millions of websites worldwide.
• WooCommerce: This is an open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress. It allows you to turn a WordPress site into a fully functioning ecommerce store.
• Android: The world’s most popular mobile operating system, Android, is also open source. This allows manufacturers and developers around the world to customize and improve upon it.
• GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): GIMP is a free and open-source graphics editor, often used as a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
• Mozilla Firefox: Firefox is an open source web browser developed by Mozilla. It’s known for its speed, security, and respect for user privacy.

Each of these examples showcases the power of open source software in different areas, from operating systems and web browsers to content management and ecommerce.

What Is Closed Source Software?

At the other end of the software spectrum, you’ll find closed source software. This type of software can also be referred to as proprietary software.

The key difference between open and closed source is the accessibility of the source code. In the case of closed source software, the source code is not publicly available.

When you purchase or download closed source software, you only receive the binary files needed to run the program. You don’t actually own the software; instead, you’re paying for the right to use it. This is like buying a ticket to a movie — you’re paying for the experience, but you don’t own the film.

In this scenario, users can’t modify or even peek at the source code without potentially voiding the warranty and facing legal consequences. This might sound restrictive, but there are reasons behind it.

By keeping the source code under wraps, ‌software creators can protect their intellectual property, maintain their competitive advantage, and, most importantly, it’s much easier to monetize a product when no one else gets to see or modify the code.

Now, let’s delve into some pros and cons of closed source software.

Closed Source Software Pros

Here are some of the pros of using proprietary software:

Usability

Closed source software often offers better user interfaces and overall user experience. This is because they are paid products with dedicated teams incentivized to build a user-friendly environment.

Support

With closed source software, you typically have easy access to professional support and can expect a quicker resolution of issues. This is also due to the commercial nature of these products.

Security

It’s generally harder to find security flaws in closed source software, as the source code isn’t publicly available. This can make it more secure against potential hackers.

Centralization

Closed source software tends to offer more consistent development over time and less likelihood of compatibility issues. This is because only one dedicated team member is allowed to edit the code, ensuring everything fits together as planned.

Closed Source Software Cons

Like open source software, closed source has its own cons that you may need to consider, including:

Cost

Closed source software is usually more expensive than its open source counterparts, as you’re paying for the software, support, updates, and often a license for continued use.

Lack of Customization

Unlike open source software, closed source software doesn’t usually offer much in the way of customization options for the user. You’re generally stuck with what the developer has decided to provide.

What Are Some Examples of Closed Source Software?

Here are some well-known examples of closed source software:

• Adobe: Known for a wide range of products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and their Content Management System (CMS), Adobe’s software is proprietary, offering robust solutions for creative professionals.
• Apple: Many of Apple’s software, such as macOS and iOS, are closed source. They’re known for their user-friendly interfaces and seamless integration with Apple hardware.
• Microsoft: Microsoft provides a range of closed source software, most notably the Windows operating system and the Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

While closed source software has its own set of pros and cons, it’s prevalent in many industries and used by millions worldwide. Understanding its nature and limitations is important when deciding on the software that best fits your needs.

What Are the Similarities Between Open Source vs Closed Source Software?

When comparing the similarities between open source software and closed source software, several key points emerge.

Both open and closed source software can be found in numerous application areas such as operating systems, content management systems, databases, and more. From Linux to Windows, WordPress to Adobe CMS, open and closed source software coexist in almost every category.

Regardless of whether it is open or closed source, all software is created by software developers and engineers using various computer programming languages. This means that the quality of the software often depends more on the skill and expertise of the developers than on the nature of its source code accessibility.

Both open and closed source software come with licenses that govern their use. However, these licenses can be vastly different, ranging from very permissive open source licenses to highly restrictive proprietary licenses.

Interestingly, most closed enterprise systems rely on open source software in some way, showing interdependence between the two.

Even the topic of privacy is common to both, although they approach it from different angles. While open source software tends to favor transparency, closed source software often promises privacy through security.

However, it’s important to note that the similarities between open source software and closed source software are outnumbered by their differences. The choice between open and closed source software depends heavily on the individual needs and preferences of the user or organization.

Open Source vs Closed Source Software: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between open source software and closed source software lies in their approach to source code accessibility, support, usability, innovation, security, and cost.

Open source software thrives on community collaboration and transparency, while closed source software focuses on offering a polished, proprietary product usually backed by dedicated customer support. These differences play a significant role in the choice between open and closed source software, depending on the user’s or organization’s specific needs and resources.

Support

Support options are often a key factor in deciding on which software company to use.

Open Source: The support structure for open source software is largely community-driven. This means that when users encounter issues or have questions, they often turn to:

• Community forums: These are platforms where users can ask questions and share solutions. Examples include the WordPress and Linux forums.
• Websites: Managed solutions provide dedicated support for open source platforms. For example, Kinsta offers managed solutions for those looking to build a website using WordPress.
• Contracted help: For more complex issues, users may choose to hire professionals with expertise in the specific software.

Closed Source: In contrast, closed source software typically includes dedicated customer support. This is often a significant part of what you pay for when purchasing ‌software. It can be a big advantage if you prefer having direct access to professional assistance.

Usability

Open Source: Open source software can sometimes be a bit more challenging for non-technical users due to:

• Limited documentation: While some open source projects have comprehensive documentation, others might not.
• Developer-focused guides: Because many open source projects are created by and for developers, the user guides and documentation may be too technical for the average user.

Closed Source: Closed source software, on the other hand, usually comes with robust, user-friendly guides and resources. This is because closed source software companies have a vested interest in ensuring that their customers can effectively use their products.

Innovation

Open Source: The open source model fosters innovation due to:

• Global input: Open source software allows anyone, anywhere, to suggest improvements or add new features.
• Rapid updates: With a global community of developers, open source software can adapt quickly to changing user needs or technological advancements.

Closed Source: Innovation in closed source software tends to be more controlled and may be limited due to:

• Proprietary development: The software company’s development team is solely responsible for updates and improvements.
• Profit focus: Development decisions are often made based on what will drive profits, which may not always align with user needs.

Security

Security is a complex issue in both open and closed source software.

Open Source: With many eyes on the source code, bugs can be spotted and fixed quickly. However, the transparent nature of open source means that bad actors also have access to the code and can potentially find vulnerabilities to exploit.

Closed Source: The source code is only accessible to a select group of developers, making it harder for potential attackers to find vulnerabilities. Despite this, users have to trust that the company will promptly fix any security issues, as they have no way of verifying this for themselves.

Cost

Open Source: While open source software is typically free to use, there can be costs associated with it:

• Optional services: Some open source projects offer premium services for a fee, such as advanced features or professional support.
• Customization: If you want to customize the software to better suit your needs, you might need to hire a developer.

Closed Source: Closed source software generally comes with a price tag. The costs associated with closed source software can include:

• Purchase price: This is the upfront cost to use the software.
• Licensing fees: Many closed source software options require ongoing licensing fees.
• Upgrade costs: Major upgrades often require additional payments.

The differences between open source and closed source software extend beyond just the accessibility of the source code. They encompass aspects of support, usability, innovation, security, and cost, all of which can significantly influence the suitability of the software for different users and contexts.

By understanding these differences, individuals and organizations can make informed decisions that best align with their specific needs, resources, and technical capabilities.

It’s worth noting that the choice between open and closed source is not always an either/or decision. In many cases, a hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of both can provide the most effective solution. Always consider your specific needs and circumstances, and if necessary, consult with an IT professional to help guide your decision.

Which Is Better: Open or Closed Source?

The question “Is open source or closed source software better?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.

The choice between open source and closed source software often depends on several factors, including the purpose of the software, the user’s technical abilities, and the resources available.

For instance, if you’re a developer looking to build your own application economically, or if you’re learning how to code, open source software can be an ideal choice.

Why? Because:

• Open source software allows you to view, modify, and distribute the source code, giving you a high degree of control and flexibility.
• It provides an excellent learning platform, as you can see how experienced developers have structured their code and solved problems.
• The open source community can be a valuable source of support and collaboration.

On the other hand, if you’re not technically inclined and need an easy-to-use application for your business, or if you’re a large enterprise requiring a proprietary system, closed source software might be the better choice.

Here’s why:

• Closed source software often comes with a polished, user-friendly interface designed for non-technical users.
• It typically includes dedicated customer support, meaning you can get expert help when you need it.

Large enterprises may prefer closed source software due to its centralized control, consistency, and dedicated support, elements that can be crucial when deploying software at scale. For example, choosing Kinsta as your managed enterprise WordPress hosting means you’ll have access to dedicated support every minute of the day, which won’t be the case for open source software.

In the end, choosing between open source and closed source software is a matter of evaluating your needs, capabilities, and resources.

It’s about finding the right tool for the job and the best fit for you or your organization. Whether you choose open or closed source, the key is understanding what each offers and aligning that with your specific requirements.

Summary

When it comes to open source vs closed source, there’s a lot to consider and plenty of questions to ask. Ultimately, the answer depends on what your goals are and what you need the software to do.

Kinsta is happy to offer a discount for open source projects that want to host with us. Schedule a demo or contact us today for more information.

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