Evolution of software through Lehman’s laws: Comparative analysis of open and closed source solutions

This paper addresses gaps in prior research on empirical validation of Lehman’s laws of software evolution, which often focus on isolated aspects (e.g., defect frequency or architecture) and selected laws, overlooking broader trends and interdependencies. Through a comparative analysis of open-source and closed-source software, this paper introduces the impact of licensing models on software evolution. By examining real-world projects, the study evaluates Lehman’s laws in the context of modern software practices and user needs. This research shows that open-source solutions exhibit adaptability and continuous growth driven by contributor communities, while closed-source solutions prioritize development efforts aligned with business objectives. Adopting an open-source development approach may yield faster initial results but lead to significant technical debt and frequent code deprecation as the product evolves, while a closed-source approach ensures greater stability and consistency over time, though at a slower pace.