Open source versus proprietary – choosing the right tools

When it comes to choosing the right tools for working with LLMs, one of the fundamental decisions is whether to use open source or proprietary software. Both choices come with their own sets of advantages and challenges that need to be considered based on the project requirements, budget, expertise, and long-term strategy.

Open source tools for LLMs

Using open source tools for LLMs has some advantages and disadvantages. We will explore them in detail in the following sections.

Advantages

Let’s go through the advantages first.

Cost-effectiveness

Open source tools are inherently devoid of the licensing fees that accompany many proprietary software options. This characteristic is of paramount importance, particularly to entities operating under stringent budget constraints, such as start-ups, independent researchers, or educational institutions. The absence of a financial barrier to entry not only...