Skip to main content
Open source software is just one facet of the broader open source ecosystem. Projects can also encompass documentation, design assets, datasets, and more. At its core, an open source project is any work made publicly available under a license that grants permissions to use, modify, and distribute. Open source code and assets are typically stored on internet platforms offering version control, collaboration tools, and issue tracking. The three leading services are:
PlatformKey FeaturesLink
GitHubPull requests, Actions, DiscussionsGitHub
GitLabIntegrated CI/CD, Group ManagementGitLab
BitbucketJira integration, PipelinesBitbucket
The image shows icons representing GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, with a question about where open source projects live.

​
Beyond Code Hosting

While many projects consolidate code hosting and community interaction on a single platform, it’s important to distinguish between the project (source code or core assets) and the community (forums, chat channels, events). Contributor discussions and support channels often live on different platforms, such as Slack, Discord, or dedicated forums. Non-code open source projects—like illustration libraries, data collections, or documentation sites—may be shared as standalone repositories, curated collections, or on specialized hosting services. The best platform depends on your project’s scope and the preferences of your contributors.
For more details on hosting strategies, consult the documentation and community guidelines of your chosen platform.

Watch Video