Both web development and free and open source software have worked in tandem since the beginning of the web.
Truth be told, open source has brought down the costs of creating new software but has also served to drive innovation and sharing in the web development community.
In fact, the most popular platforms namely Drupal, Joomla and WordPress have all been created using PHP which is an open source scripting language.
However, the question still remains: Can you make a living from creating open source software?
The answer to which is yes, considering the model that each the aforementioned platforms use. While their core packages are free of costs (and which is in line with the ‘open source’ philosophy), these companies also offer premium products and services that come at a cost.
For example, WordPress offers its end-users with premium products and services while Drupal also offers the same and which are directed towards enterprises through the Acquia network.
Quite differently, some open source products have two versions: a basic and premium version, where the former is offered for free while the latter is obtainable by purchasing a commercial license. A fine example of this is the relational database management system known as MySQL that offers a free community edition as well as a number of enterprise editions.
With that said, developers might wonder whether there is a market for products that they have created on their own. And the answer to that question is in the affirmative as software marketplaces namely Android Market, Chrome Web Store, WP Plugins, ThemeForest and more provide a platform for these developers to showcase their products or the services that they might have one offer.
Considering these opportunities open to developers, one can not only make a living from open source but also increase their income as well.
