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The Cathedral and the Bazaar

Eric S. Raymond’s essay The Cathedral and the Bazaar introduces two different approaches to software development, comparing the strengths and weaknesses of each model, and offering a fascinating look at how open-source projects thrive. On one hand, you have the “cathedral” model—a traditional, closed-source method of developing software, where only a select few have access to the code, and everything is meticulously crafted behind the scenes before release. This model is characterized by careful planning and deliberate execution, ensuring a stable and polished final product. In contrast, the bazaar model is more open and dynamic, thriving on community involvement and rapid iteration. This model represents a carefully planned, methodical approach, often driven by a small group of developers with a clear vision, aiming for stability and reliability in the final product. On the other hand, there’s the “bazaar” model, which is all about transparency, collaboration, and community involvement, like an open-air market where ideas and code are constantly exchanged. The bazaar model thrives on the contributions of a large number of developers, each bringing their unique perspective and skills to the table, resulting in rapid iteration and improvement. In the bazaar model, the process is more organic, with features being added and bugs being fixed in a more fluid and flexible manner. This contrast between the deliberate, planned nature of the cathedral and the dynamic, collaborative spirit of the bazaar captures the essence of how different development philosophies can shape software projects.

The Bazaar Model’s Strengths

The bazaar model shines in its openness and adaptability. Since the code is open to everyone, developers from all over the world can contribute, review, and help improve it. This transparency means bugs get caught faster, ideas flow freely, and software evolves in a way that directly meets users’ needs. When contributors treat users like co-developers—a principle ESR champions—it leads to more resilient, rapidly evolving projects. You see this with well-known technologies like Linux and Git, which grew out of this community-driven ecosystem. There’s something powerful about the idea that a chaotic, buzzing community of developers can produce software that’s as stable and coherent as any closed-source project.

My Experience with Both Models

Personally, I’ve worked in both worlds, and each has its unique advantages and challenges. In more formal, structured projects, I’ve seen how the cathedral approach can help maintain tight alignment on objectives and ensure quality. However, I’ve also experienced how slow and rigid it can be. Decisions take longer, and the process of getting feedback and implementing changes can be painfully slow. In contrast, my experience with open-source projects has been more dynamic. For example, in one open-source project, we were able to implement a user-requested feature in just a few days—something that would have taken weeks in a more bureaucratic, closed-source environment. The bazaar model’s community spirit and organic flow of ideas are incredibly energizing; it’s driven by people’s personal motivations and what ESR calls the “itches” they want to scratch.

The Future: A Hybrid Approach

ESR suggests that open-source development will win in the long run because it harnesses more brainpower and diverse perspectives to solve problems. While I think there will always be a place for the cathedral model, especially for projects that need strict oversight or proprietary elements, the bazaar model will likely continue to drive innovation. Increasingly, we’re seeing a blend of the two—companies contributing to open-source while keeping some parts proprietary. Microsoft, for example, has embraced open-source by contributing to projects like VS Code and the Linux kernel, while still maintaining control over products like Windows. This approach allows Microsoft to benefit from community collaboration and innovation while ensuring that their flagship products remain secure and aligned with their business goals. This hybrid approach seems like the best of both worlds: the adaptability of the bazaar combined with the reliability of the cathedral.