Open CoDE is a platform established to facilitate the exchange of open-source software within the public administration sector. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community and the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia. The platform's creation aligns with the objectives of the Federal German Cloud Strategy, and its development is overseen by the Working Group 'Cloud Computing and Digital Sovereignty' of the IT Planning Council.

The primary purpose of Open CoDE is to provide a centralized repository for open-source code, promoting a culture of sharing and reuse among administration, industry, and society. This approach aims to optimize resources, reduce redundancy, and encourage standardized practices across different administrative bodies.

Open CoDE offers a range of services to its users. The platform features a Code Repository, which houses a collection of open-source solutions designed for public administration applications. In addition to the repository, Open CoDE provides a discourse instance for users to engage in discussions, share insights, and collaborate on projects. To further support its user base, the platform also includes a wiki and a landing page, serving as informational resources about Open CoDE and its functionalities.

The platform operates based on three foundational values:

Visibility: Open CoDE aims to provide a transparent overview of available open-source solutions and projects tailored for public administration, ensuring that users have access to relevant information.

Cooperation: The platform encourages users to engage in collaborative efforts, participate in projects, and contribute to the development of solutions that benefit the public administration sector.

Reuse: Open CoDE emphasizes the importance of clear guidelines and standardized licensing requirements. This approach ensures that users can access and reuse solutions with clarity regarding compliance and usage terms.

In summary, Open CoDE serves as a resource hub for the public administration sector, promoting the exchange, collaboration, and reuse of open-source software solutions. Through its services and values, the platform aims to streamline processes, encourage standardized practices, and foster a sense of community among its users.