Brain-Computer Interface Software Ecology: Open-Source Tools, Cross-Domain Applications, and Future Challenges

Open-source software platforms have revolutionized brain-computer interface (BCI) development. This comprehensive review examines the ecosystem for non-invasive EEG-based BCIs through four dimensions: technological foundations, tool taxonomy, scenario adaptation, and future evolution. The study demonstrates how open-source software enables complete BCI workflows from signal acquisition to real-time interaction. A systematic framework categorizes tools for applications in healthcare, education, and entertainment. Technical challenges and breakthrough opportunities in the ecosystem are identified. The study offers developers methodologies to select open-source BCI tools. Collectively, these insights aim at accelerating the transition of BCI technologies from research settings to real-world deployment.