The main benefit of using open-source software is the accessibility and transparency it provides. Users can freely access, modify, and distribute the source code, promoting collaboration and community-driven development. This encourages innovation as developers can build upon existing software to improve functionality or adapt it to specific needs. Open-source projects often benefit from rapid prototyping and testing, allowing for quicker identification of bugs and enhancements. Furthermore, using open-source software can reduce licensing costs and vendor lock-in, promoting user autonomy.