Blog navigation keyboard_arrow_down

Blog Rss rss_feed

Why PrestaShop Chose Open-Source: Licenses, Philosophy, and Business Benefits

Why PrestaShop Chose Open-Source: Licenses, Philosophy, and Business Benefits

In the tech world, terms like “Open-Source” or “open-source software” are increasingly common, but what do they actually mean? And why do platforms like PrestaShop choose this approach? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Open-Source Software?

Open-Source Software (OSS) is a type of software where the source code is available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. Unlike commercial or proprietary software, where the source code is hidden from users, open-source software allows users to see how the program works, customize it, and even contribute their own improvements.

This approach benefits not only the end users but also the developers: the program becomes more reliable thanks to the active community that identifies and corrects issues. Innovations can be integrated faster as the development process is collaborative.

Why Did PrestaShop Choose Open-Source?

PrestaShop, as an e-commerce platform, was created with the mission of providing entrepreneurs worldwide with powerful tools to create online stores. It was essential to make the solution not only functional but also accessible, flexible, reliable, and responsive to modern demands. The choice of an Open-Source model allowed PrestaShop to achieve all these goals.

When PrestaShop started developing its platform, the team understood that by choosing an Open-Source format, the platform could evolve faster and offer users more opportunities to personalize and customize their stores. Open-source code allowed PrestaShop to attract a community of developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts who could bring their ideas, improvements, and fixes.

Licenses under Which PrestaShop Is Distributed

PrestaShop Core is distributed under the Open Software License (OSL) 3.0, and its modules are distributed under the Academic Free License (AFL) 3.0.

OSL-3.0 is a license that allows free distribution and modification of source code, but with certain conditions. For example, if a user makes significant changes to the code, these must also be shared with the community to maintain openness.

AFL-3.0, the license for PrestaShop modules, provides more flexible rights for using, modifying, and integrating modules with other products. It allows users to take ready-made solutions, improve them, and use them without disclosing their changes.

The Benefits of the Open-Source Approach for Businesses and the Community

PrestaShop believes that the Open-Source approach is not just a development method but a powerful philosophy focused on collaboration, freedom of choice, and equal opportunity. This policy has allowed the platform to become one of the most popular in the world, helping thousands of small and medium-sized businesses create successful online stores. Open-source code helps make the product more reliable since the community can identify and fix issues faster than a single development team could.

The choice of Open-Source is part of PrestaShop’s identity. It’s a decision that reflects the company’s desire to provide entrepreneurs with access to modern technology that can be easily adapted to their needs.

What do you think of Open-Source? How do you feel about the philosophy of open code and its possibilities? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re using open-source development!

Was this blog post helpful to you?

    
No comments at this moment
close

Checkout

close

Favourites