Building a Business on Open Source: The React Journey

The transition of React from an internal project at Facebook to an open-source framework is examined, highlighting the contentious discussions that marked its journey. Initially created to address internal challenges in managing large applications, React introduced the concept of component boundaries, which allowed developers to manage their code effectively. Over time, the decision to open-source React faced significant internal resistance, but the eventual release contributed to improved software quality and developer satisfaction. This progression not only laid the foundation for Vercel's business model but also demonstrated how community engagement can propel a project’s success.