The OpenBB repository, maintained by OpenBB-finance, is a comprehensive financial data platform designed for analysts, quantitative analysts (quants), and AI agents. Its primary purpose is to provide a unified and accessible interface for financial data, streamlining the process of integrating, analyzing, and utilizing information from various sources. The project centers around the "Open Data Platform" (ODP), an open-source toolset that acts as a central hub for financial data.

The ODP's core functionality revolves around the "connect once, consume everywhere" principle. This means that data sources, whether proprietary, licensed, or public, are integrated into the platform once and then made available across multiple applications and environments. This architecture significantly reduces the effort required to access and utilize data, eliminating the need for redundant integrations and simplifying data management. The platform exposes data through various interfaces, catering to different user needs. These include Python environments for quants, the OpenBB Workspace and Excel for analysts, MCP servers for AI agents, and REST APIs for other applications. This flexibility allows users to access and process data in their preferred tools and workflows.

A key feature of the OpenBB platform is its integration with the OpenBB Workspace, a user interface designed for analysts to visualize datasets and leverage AI agents. While the ODP provides the underlying data integration infrastructure, the Workspace offers a more user-friendly environment for data exploration and analysis. The Workspace is a commercial offering, accessible at pro.openbb.co, and is designed to work seamlessly with the open-source ODP. The integration between the ODP and the Workspace is facilitated through a simple process, allowing users to connect their local ODP backend to the Workspace, enabling them to access the data and functionality provided by the open-source platform within the enterprise UI.

The repository provides clear instructions for installing and using the ODP. Users can install the Python package using `pip install openbb` or by cloning the repository. The ODP CLI (command-line interface) is also available for direct access from the command line, installable via `pip install openbb-cli`. The documentation provides detailed information on installation, usage, and integration with the OpenBB Workspace. The platform also offers extensive documentation and examples to help users get started quickly.

Beyond its core functionality, the repository actively encourages community contributions. It outlines various ways to contribute, including becoming a contributor, creating GitHub tickets for bug reports, suggesting improvements, and requesting new features. The project also provides channels for feedback, primarily through Discord and other social media platforms. The project is licensed under the AGPLv3 License, ensuring open-source accessibility and promoting collaboration. The repository also includes a disclaimer regarding the risks associated with financial trading and emphasizes that the platform provides data for informational purposes only. The repository also provides contact information for support and partnership inquiries. The repository also includes a star history chart, a proxy for growth, and a list of contributors.