Earlier quoted context omitted.
Anything can happen (I have a number of projects that are open-source, some other close-source), but the idea so far is to have a free app with an in-app purchase to unlock the advanced/pro feature. I might make open-source some of the "Git toolkit" I built for this app, but it's too early to say. The reason for expiring builds is that 1) it's pre-release, 2) it's a software intended for professional engineers and 3)…
Just a thought: I sort of agree with the fact that "pay to use git in a more advanced way" is a bit of a slap in the face to new users. For me, what I absolutely love about this is the quick view of changes in a commit. My usual workflow for this is 1. git log --oneline --graph 2. Copy commit hash to clipboard 3. git show or worse 3. git difftool ^ which is clunky as hell, and made worse that difftool operates on a s…
> So my suggestion is: remove ALL the modification features from the free version, release it as a separate app called "GitUp Viewer" or something, and then sell the version that is actually a git client.
Hmmm... but wouldn't that be exactly the same problem of "slapping users in the face", except now with 2 apps?
There aren't that many options to distribute desktop software:
1) freeware
2) free to use but ads or equivalent
3) paid upfront
4) paid with trial
5) paid with in-app purchase for some features
6) a free basic app and a pro app
#1 and #2 are not an option here and #6 is too much overhead and complicates the user proposition.
I don't see how #3 is not worse than #4 and #5. Not an option either anyway: I truly think people should be able to try before they buy for such a product.
#5 is all the trend on mobile and has been demonstrated to work (I've also done that on a couple desktop software and it seems OK). IMO it's the best of both worlds if done right: you get a free useful product as-is, but pay to get even more value of it.
If you think #5 is a "slap in the face of new users", wouldn't #4 also be that? :)