Microsoft recently announced the acquisition of GitHub for $7.5 billion, a move that sparked mixed reactions in the developer community.
From one side we have those who think that GitHub will improve considerably with Microsoft’s help, and on the other side we have those who worry about the future of the world’s largest code repository after its acquisition.
Microsoft, for its part, has repeatedly tried to explain that this union will only bring positive results. Nat Friedman, CEO of GitHub, seems to agree with him, even commenting on the famous statement by former MicrosoftSteve Ballmer, who described Linux as a “cancer.” He stressed that such statements should not create fears among the developers in the community.
"I understand your skepticism. Over the past two years, I have been observing Microsoft 's journey to becoming an open source company. I would also recommend that you judge Microsoft by its recent actions."
Friedman went on to add that Microsoft has no choice but to help GitHub evolve immediately, because any failed effort could materially affect the company's relationship with developers.
Friedman also emphasized that GitHub will continue to operate independently without requiring Microsoft accounts for the service. No advertising will appear on the platform as GitHub wants to remain unchanged.
