Top 30 Open Source Projects Insights

Leo Migdal

-Nov 5, 2025, 7:45 PM

By consistently tracking open source project velocity, we are able to see the trends and technologies resonating with developers and end users. We have been tracking these trends since 2017; all previous blogs can be viewed here. Here are the main takeaways I see from these charts: CNCF projects – Last 12 months (interactive map) Linux Foundation Projects – Last 12 months (interactive map) Top 30 open source projects – Last 12 months (interactive map)

Open-source projects power more than 90% of modern software applications, from the apps on your phone to the tools behind major websites. For developers, contributing to open source isn’t just about writing code; it’s a way to learn, grow, and join a global community. A recent Open Source survey found that over 70% of developers regularly use or contribute to open-source projects as part of their work. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your skills further, getting involved in open source is one of the best ways to gain hands-on experience and make an impact. In this blog, we’ve rounded up 20+ top open-source projects across Python, Java, machine learning, web development, and more, all ready for new contributors in 2025–2026. An open-source project has a project code that is free to use.

It is available for everyone to view, modify, and download. Open-source licenses enforce these permissions. We back founders building iconic companies that transcend boundaries. Fostering the next-generation of founders We invest in companies across stages, sectors, and geographies. Open-source continues to drive innovation, and 2024 has proven to be an exceptional year for startups launching groundbreaking projects.

We analyzed the most starred open-source projects launched by startups in 2024. Thematically, AI led the charge as the most popular type of open-source project, with AI-enabled Developer Tools just a little behind. Python reigned as the programming language of choice. The United States generated the most projects, followed by China. The importance of open source cannot be overstated, as it fuels collaboration, accelerates technological progress, and empowers developers worldwide to shape the future of technology. The top three most starred open-source projects released by startups were Zed, xAI Grok-1, and All Hands OpenHands (fka OpenDevin).

Top open-source projects for contributions are opportunities to advance your skills and career. This curated list features 20 actively maintained projects where your code can make a real impact today. Look, we all know GitHub has millions of repos. Finding the ones actually worth your time? That's the real challenge. I've spent a couple hours digging through repositories, testing tools, and talking with other developers to find projects that are genuinely useful.

Projects that'll keep you sharp, update your toolkit, and maybe even give you something cool to contribute to. What makes these projects special? They're actively maintained, they solve real problems, and they welcome new contributors. Some are revolutionary AI tools that are changing how we build intelligent systems. Others are developer utilities that will make you wonder how you ever lived without them. Whether you're looking to strengthen your resume, sharpen your skills on something new, or just give back to the community, these are the projects where your contributions will make a real impact.

As we step into 2025, the open-source community is buzzing with excitement and innovation. With over 96 million repositories on GitHub and more than 200 million pull requests created this year, there has never been a better time to dive into open source. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just starting your coding journey, contributing to open-source projects can significantly enhance your skills, expand your network, and allow you to give back to the tech community. As we step into 2025, the open-source community is buzzing with excitement and innovation. With over 96 million repositories on GitHub and more than 200 million pull requests created this year, there has never been a better time to dive into open source. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just starting your coding journey, contributing to open-source projects can significantly enhance your skills, expand your network, and allow you to give back to the tech community.In this...

We’ll also discuss why contributing to open source is vital, how to identify promising projects, and provide insights into the latest trends within the open-source ecosystem. Contributing to open-source projects offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact your career and personal growth: Working on real-world projects helps you learn new technologies and improve your coding skills. You’ll have the chance to experiment with different programming languages, frameworks, and tools while solving actual problems faced by users. Engaging with the open-source community allows you to connect with developers from around the world. This networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborations on exciting projects, and even job offers.

Open source projects are the lifeblood of the tech community, fueling innovation and collaboration worldwide. As we move into 2025, several exciting projects are making waves. Whether you're a developer, tech enthusiast, or someone looking to contribute to the community, these projects are worth keeping an eye on. Astro is rapidly becoming a favorite among developers for building static websites and web apps. With its focus on performance and its innovative "islands architecture," Astro v3 promises even better tools for delivering blazing-fast sites. AI is here to stay, and LangChain is at the forefront of enabling developers to build apps powered by language models.

From chatbots to data-driven AI tools, LangChain’s modular architecture makes it easier to create cutting-edge applications. In a world where supply chain attacks are on the rise, Sigstore’s open-source solution for signing, verifying, and securing software is critical. It’s backed by industry leaders and is gaining adoption across ecosystems. If you love SQLite but wish it could handle complex analytical queries, DuckDB is your best friend. This in-process SQL database is designed for OLAP workloads, and it’s taking the analytics world by storm. The world of open-source software is a thriving ecosystem where collaboration and innovation intertwine, giving developers a chance to make an impact on projects that power the modern tech landscape.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced software developer, contributing to open-source projects is one of the most fulfilling ways to hone your skills, build your reputation, and leave a legacy in the... In 2025, the open-source world is brimming with opportunities, with thousands of active projects spanning every corner of the tech stack. From artificial intelligence to web development, and from blockchain to system utilities, there is no shortage of ways to contribute. But, with so many projects out there, how do you decide where to focus your time and energy? This article will explore the best open-source projects to contribute to in 2025, providing you with a list of dynamic, innovative, and well-supported projects that will not only help you sharpen your coding abilities... Before diving into the best open-source projects for 2025, let’s take a step back to understand why contributing to open-source software has become such an attractive proposition for developers worldwide.

Open-source contributions are not just about writing code; they’re about becoming part of a thriving, collaborative community that’s shaping the future of technology. There are numerous reasons why developers choose to contribute to open-source projects, and these reasons offer both tangible and intangible rewards that go beyond the typical work environment. Contributing to open-source projects provides several key benefits: Before we dive into the best open-source projects to contribute to in 2025, it’s essential to first understand the foundational steps involved in contributing to open-source. Getting started with open-source contributions may seem daunting at first, but with a few simple guidelines, you’ll be able to navigate the process with ease and confidence. By knowing how to choose the right project, starting with manageable tasks, and understanding the workflow, you can lay a strong foundation for your open-source journey.

Top 30 Open Source Projects Insights

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