Introduction
GitHub is a giant in the software development world. With over 600 million repositories and nearly one billion commits in 2025, it seems unavoidable. Yet, some developers are exploring alternatives like Codeberg or self-hosting. Why?
The Limits of GitHub
Owned by Microsoft
Since its acquisition by Microsoft in 2018, GitHub has sparked debates. Some developers worry about the platform's political and ethical direction. Microsoft, though a tech pioneer, has a complex history with open-source software, creating distrust.
Technical Issues
Frequent downtimes and slowdowns on GitHub in 2026 have driven projects to seek more reliable infrastructure. For teams dependent on 24/7 access, these disruptions are costly.
Codeberg: An Open Source Alternative
Codeberg, a non-commercial platform, is committed to supporting free software. It offers similar features to GitHub while staying true to the open-source spirit. Projects like Ghostty have already migrated to Codeberg.
The Appeal of Self-Hosting
Total Control
With self-hosting, developers have complete control over their environment. They choose their hardware, configuration, and security policies, reducing third-party risks.
Privacy
Data remains internal, a major asset for companies sensitive to privacy issues.
Use Case: Migrating to Codeberg
Take the example of Ghostty, a cross-platform terminal emulator. In 2026, its maintainer decided to leave GitHub for Codeberg, citing ethical and technical concerns. This choice allowed better community integration and greater transparency.
Conclusion
Developers are seeking GitHub alternatives for various reasons: increased control, better privacy, and adherence to open-source principles. Regardless of your project's size, it's crucial to choose the platform that best aligns with your values and technical needs.
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