ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Business models for open-source software

Open source software is software that anyone can use or modify without needing to pay for it. To make money from it, companies usually use a business model called "dual licensing". With dual licensing, companies offer two versions of the same software – one that is available for free, and another that has extra features and also comes with a license (similar to a contract) that customers have to pay for. By offering both free and paid versions, companies can make money while also encouraging people to use their software.