Open-source projects are the backbone of modern software development, yet many struggle with sustainability. This research-driven article examines what separates thriving projects from those that fade away.
Through interviews with maintainers of 50+ major projects and analysis of 200+ repositories, several patterns emerged:
Financial Sustainability: Projects that secure sustainable funding (through sponsorships, foundations, or companies) are better equipped to handle maintenance and growth. The lack of financial resources is cited as the #1 reason maintainers step away.
Community Health: The most sustainable projects invest heavily in community governance and decision-making. This distributes responsibility and prevents burnout.
Documentation & Onboarding: Projects with excellent documentation see higher contribution rates and better issue resolution times.
Clear Roadmap: Having a transparent, public roadmap helps the community understand direction and reduces duplicated efforts.
The future of open source depends on solving the sustainability crisis. Both individual contributors and companies have a role to play in building a healthier ecosystem.