factors to be considered when choosing a free library in any technology..

Question

Hai guys, I was going through these links in stackoverflow.com

Free java libraries,

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/130095/most-useful-free-java-libraries

Free .net libraries,

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/662956/most-useful-free-net-libraries

I know there are 'n' number of free libraries in every technology..

• what are the factors to be considered when choosing a free library in any technology?

• How would you choose a free library?

Answer 1

• Is it maintained?
• Can I get the source?
• Is there the option to pay for support?
• Can I find evidence of satisfied users?

Kindness,

Dan

Answer 2

Licensing is the big one for me, as most projects I work on are closed-source bespoke software. GPL is immediately a no, as are libraries which require me to show a popup "thanks to l77tHorse for use of his 'Suxor' code".