Writing Code: How Many Lines of Code Power the Apps We Use Every Day?
As developers, our most tangible output is writing code. But have you ever wondered how much code powers the apps we use daily? While some applications are small, others are massive systems with millions of lines of code. In this article, I’ve analyzed popular open-source applications, comparing their code sizes to give you a sense of scale. This breakdown should be fascinating for anyone new to writing code.
Writing Code in Massive Codebases: Open Source Giants
In this section, we’ll explore some of the largest and most complex open-source projects by lines of code and contributor numbers.
1.1 Linux Kernel
What it does: Powers Android and many Linux distributions.
Lines of code: ~28 million
Contributors: Over 16,000 developers
Source code: Linux Kernel GitHub
1.2 Mozilla Firefox
What it does: Popular web browser.
Lines of code: ~24 million
Contributors: Around 1,000 developers
Source code: Mozilla Firefox GitHub
1.3 Kubernetes
What it does: Manages containerized applications.
Lines of code: ~3 million
Contributors: Over 3,000 developers
Source code: Kubernetes GitHub
Developer Efficiency Calculation
Let’s pause for an interesting calculation. Assuming a developer writes about 50 lines of code per day (a generous estimate!), writing Linux Kernel alone would take one person over 1,500 years, it will take generations to finish. Collaboration is essential for projects this large!
Writing Code for Lightweight Open Source Applications
Now, let’s look at projects with smaller codebases that still have a broad user base.
2.1 Redis: In-Memory Database
What it does: In-memory database.
Lines of code: ~100,000
Contributors: 500+ developers
Source code: Redis GitHub
2.2 Flask: Most Popular Python Web Framework
What it does: Lightweight web framework for Python.
Lines of code: ~20,000
Contributors: Around 500 developers
Source code: Flask GitHub
2.3 Vue.js: Writing Code for Modern JavaScript Frameworks
What it does: Modern JavaScript framework.
Lines of code: ~70,000
Contributors: Over 300 developers
Source code: Vue.js GitHub
Writing Minimal Code for Maximum Popularity: Small but Influential Projects
Finally, let’s explore apps with codebases ranging from just 1,000 to 10,000 lines, proving that writing code doesn’t have to be extensive to create impact.
3.1 Flarum: Forum
What it does: Fast and mobile-friendly discussion platform.
Lines of code: ~7,500
Contributors: Around 200 developers
Source code: Flarum GitHub
3.2 Ghost: Simple Blogging Platform
What it does: Simple, modern blogging platform.
Lines of code: ~9,000
Contributors: 300+ developers
Source code: Ghost GitHub
3.3 Tiny Tiny RSS: Lightweight RSS Reader
What it does: Lightweight web-based RSS reader.
Lines of code: ~6,000
Contributors: Fewer than 100 developers
Source code: tt-rss GitHub
Conclusion: Every Line of Code Matters
The purpose of this analysis is to show beginners that writing code can vary greatly in size, from millions of lines of code to just a few thousand. When deciding your path, think about whether you want to contribute to massive projects or create value with smaller, impactful tools. Remember, writing code isn’t just about quantity. Even a small project can make a big difference in people’s lives.
