Top GNU Savannah Alternatives for Collaborative Software Development

GNU Savannah, a project of the Free Software Foundation, has long served as a stalwart platform for managing free software development. Offering a suite of tools like CVS, Git, Subversion, mailing lists, and bug tracking, its strict policies ensure only free software is hosted. However, for developers and teams seeking different functionalities, broader platform support, or more flexible hosting options, exploring a robust GNU Savannah alternative is essential. This article dives into the best options available.

The Best GNU Savannah Alternatives

While GNU Savannah is a fantastic choice for its dedicated free software focus, numerous platforms offer compelling features that might better suit diverse project needs, from extensive integrations to broader version control system support.

GitHub

GitHub is a widely-used web-based hosting service for projects primarily leveraging the Git revision control system. As a freemium service available on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, and Windows S, it offers robust features like file versioning, unlimited private repos, IFTTT integration, and comprehensive bug reporting, making it a powerful GNU Savannah alternative for teams needing extensive collaboration and a broader feature set beyond just free software.

GitLab

GitLab provides web-based Git repository management with integrated wiki, code reviews, issue-tracking, and a robust CI/CD pipeline. Available as freemium, paid, and open-source options for Linux, Web, BSD, and Self-Hosted environments, GitLab stands out as a comprehensive GNU Savannah alternative, especially for those seeking built-in CI/CD, unlimited private repos, and extensive integration options like Jenkins and Jira, allowing for a complete DevOps solution.

Bitbucket

Bitbucket offers code collaboration and version control, with both hosted (freemium for up to 5 users) and commercial self-hosted options. Supporting Git and Mercurial, and available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web, Bitbucket is a strong GNU Savannah alternative for teams prioritizing private repositories, Jira integration, and real-time collaboration within a flexible pricing model.

SourceForge

SourceForge is a free, web-based source code repository, serving as a centralized hub for open-source software development and management. Similar to GNU Savannah in its open-source focus, it provides essential version and source control features, making it a viable GNU Savannah alternative for projects that need a straightforward, free hosting solution.

Gitea

Gitea is a free and open-source lightweight code hosting solution written in Go, available for Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, and self-hosted environments. It offers features like an included wiki, private repositories, GPG signed commits, and LDAP support. Gitea is an excellent GNU Savannah alternative for those seeking a highly customizable, lightweight, and self-hosted Git service with a strong emphasis on security and privacy.

Gogs

Gogs (Go Git Service) provides an easy, fast, and painless way to set up a self-hosted Git service. It's free and open-source, available across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, and for self-hosting. With its lightweight design, code review capabilities, and version control, Gogs serves as a solid GNU Savannah alternative for developers who prioritize simplicity and self-hosting flexibility.

Launchpad

Launchpad is a free, open-source web-based collaboration and Bazaar code hosting platform, primarily for open-source software projects, with a strong connection to Ubuntu development. It offers features like PPA (Personal Package Archive) and real-time collaboration. For projects deeply embedded in the Ubuntu ecosystem or seeking a free, open-source GNU Savannah alternative with strong community tools, Launchpad is an ideal choice.

Trac

Trac is a free, open-source enhanced wiki and issue tracking system for software development projects, emphasizing a minimalistic approach to web-based project management. Available for Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, BSD, and self-hosted, its SCM integration, activity history, and included wiki make it a strong GNU Savannah alternative for teams needing a focused project management tool alongside their version control.

Phabricator

Phabricator is a collection of free, open-source web applications designed to help software companies build better software, available for Mac, Linux, Web, BSD, and self-hosted environments. It includes applications for code review, integrated chat, Kanban boards, and extensive version control integration (Git, Mercurial, SVN). Phabricator offers a comprehensive suite of tools that makes it a powerful GNU Savannah alternative for teams seeking an all-in-one development management system.

Tuleap

Tuleap is the first fully libre and open-source software (GPL license) for Enterprise Application Lifecycle Management, available for Linux and self-hosted deployments, as well as a SaaS option. It features configurable Kanban boards, real-time collaboration, and task management. As a comprehensive and open-source solution, Tuleap is an excellent GNU Savannah alternative for enterprises and large projects seeking robust ALM capabilities.

Each of these GNU Savannah alternatives offers a unique set of features and hosting models. We encourage you to explore them based on your project's specific needs, whether it's a preference for self-hosting, specific integrations, or a more flexible approach to open-source and proprietary code.