The missing metric in open source: Who’s using your code?

Learn how visibility into adoption can help developers align project goals, funding, and community impact.

Avi Press, founder and CEO of Scarf, sat down with the All Things Open team to share how his path from open source maintainer to entrepreneur led to building tools for greater transparency. Scarf helps open source projects understand how their software is being used—especially by large companies—while respecting user privacy and staying true to open source values and ethos. The idea came from Avi’s own frustration with not knowing who was using his work or how to support it sustainably.

That frustration turned into a broader mission: Help maintainers connect with companies that rely on their code. Scarf makes it easier to identify these users so project leads can reach out, offer services, or explore business models. This visibility gives developers a stronger foundation to build sustainable and aligned open source projects.

Avi also hosts Hacking Open Source Business, a podcast focused on real stories from entrepreneurs working at the intersection of open source and business. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, measuring progress, and using tools like Scarf and Honeycomb to stay focused and efficient. His biggest advice? Don’t just absorb knowledge—apply it by coding, contributing, and building.

Key takeaways

• Visibility drives sustainability – Knowing who uses your open source project is crucial for planning growth and finding funding opportunities.
• Set clear goals – Maintain alignment between your personal vision, community expectations, and project direction.
• Build to learn – Conferences and content are valuable, but the best way to grow is to start coding and contributing.
  

Conclusion

Avi’s story highlights both the promise and the pain points of open source today. Through Scarf, his podcast, and his advocacy, he’s offering practical tools and thoughtful advice for developers who want to make an impact while building a sustainable future. For those inspired by open source, the message is clear: Define your purpose, measure your progress, and start building.

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