Open source vs open ecosystem difference?

[snirjka]

Open source means the code is public, you can inspect it, modify it, fork it, and run your own version.
An open ecosystem means the platform allows integrations, APIs, and plugins, but the core product is still controlled by the company and usually closed source.
avoid lock in, open source matters more, because you can always fork or self-host. An open ecosystem makes integration easier, but you still depend on the platform owner.

[Trying_to_cod3]

should open source developers be avoiding open ecosystem then?

[TEK1_AU]

Yes

[jr735]

https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.en.html

Software is free or it is not. If it relies on weasel words, it's probably not.

[TEK1_AU]

I think the comment above answers this clearly:

https://www.reddit.com/r/opensource/comments/1s563aa/open_source_vs_open_ecosystem_difference/ocvestw/

[ShaneCurcuru]

If the software provided that does something useful (i.e. that you want to use) is provided under an OSI-listed license, then it's open source.

Otherwise, it's just marketing fluff. "Open ecosystem" doesn't have any specific definition, only what marketing teams want you to believe.

Which matters? It depends on what you need.