The role of open-source software in collaborative development is pivotal, as it enables developers worldwide to contribute, improve, and share code freely. This collaborative model fosters innovation and accelerates problem-solving by leveraging collective intelligence. Open-source projects allow for greater transparency, as users can inspect and modify the code, ensuring accountability and quality. Furthermore, communities around these projects promote knowledge sharing and support. By providing accessible tools and resources, open-source software enhances collaboration in software development and empowers a broader range of contributors, driving technological advancements.