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The Cathedral and the Bazaar

· 4 min read
Steven Normore
Steven Normore
Author

In the world of software development, few essays have had as much lasting impact as The Cathedral and the Bazaar by Eric S. Raymond. Published in 1999, the essay is more than just a reflection on open-source software—it’s a philosophy that has influenced how software is built, maintained, and distributed in the modern era. By contrasting two distinct models of software development, the cathedral and the bazaar, Raymond provides a compelling argument for the power of open collaboration.

The Two Models of Development​

The Cathedral Model​

The cathedral represents traditional software development, where projects are built in a controlled, structured environment. In this model:

  • A small group of developers, often within a corporate or institutional setting, designs and builds software behind closed doors.
  • New code is released in large, stable versions after extensive testing.
  • Users receive the final product with limited ability to modify or contribute to its development.

This model ensures a high degree of control and stability but can lead to slow innovation, as improvements rely on a centralized team rather than a broader community of contributors.

The Bazaar Model​

The bazaar, in contrast, is the open-source approach. It thrives on decentralized collaboration and rapid iteration. Key features include:

  • Development happens in the open, with anyone able to contribute.
  • Releases occur frequently, allowing users to test and refine features early.
  • Feedback loops between developers and users are short, making the software evolve quickly based on real-world needs.

The Linux kernel, which inspired Raymond’s essay, exemplifies the bazaar model. Linus Torvalds’ decision to develop Linux publicly, inviting contributions from anyone interested, led to its rapid growth and improvement.

Key Lessons from The Cathedral and the Bazaar​

1. “Given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow.”​

One of the most famous takeaways from the essay, this principle—dubbed Linus’s Law—suggests that open-source projects benefit from having many developers review code. With enough contributors, someone will always spot and fix bugs that might go unnoticed in a closed system.

2. Release early, release often.​

Instead of waiting until a product is “perfect,” the bazaar model emphasizes frequent updates and community feedback. This approach ensures that real-world use guides development, making software more robust and adaptable.

3. Good programmers know what to write; great ones know what to rewrite (and reuse).​

Raymond highlights the importance of leveraging existing tools and building on top of them rather than reinventing the wheel. The open-source ecosystem thrives on modular, reusable components.

4. Users as co-developers.​

In open-source projects, the line between users and developers blurs. Skilled users contribute patches, report bugs, and even propose new features. This tight feedback loop leads to better software tailored to actual needs.

The Lasting Impact of The Cathedral and the Bazaar​

Raymond’s essay helped legitimize and popularize open-source software at a time when proprietary software dominated. It influenced the rise of collaborative development platforms like GitHub, the adoption of open-source in enterprise environments, and even the way startups build and ship software today.

Many of the largest software projects—Linux, Kubernetes, Python, and thousands more—operate under the bazaar model, proving its effectiveness at scale. Meanwhile, companies like Microsoft, once staunchly opposed to open-source, now actively contribute to and support open-source projects.

Conclusion​

The Cathedral and the Bazaar is more than just an essay; it’s a manifesto for a new way of building software. While not every project fits neatly into the bazaar model, the principles of openness, collaboration, and rapid iteration have reshaped the software industry. As open-source continues to thrive, the lessons from Raymond’s work remain as relevant as ever.

What do you think? Does the bazaar model apply beyond software development? Share your thoughts in the comments!