The history and architecture of Odoo in plain language
How Odoo was born and grew, and how its parts fit together: applications, modules, database and browser.
Before you start
No preparation needed. This guide helps you understand the names that appear in the documentation and in conversations about Odoo.
Step by step
1. From TinyERP to Odoo
Odoo was created in 2005 in Belgium by Fabien Pinckaers under the name TinyERP. In 2008 it was renamed OpenERP and, in 2014, with version 8, it became Odoo, a name that reflects a system that goes far beyond the traditional ERP: website, e-commerce, projects, human resources and much more. Since version 9 (2015), Odoo has two editions, Community and Enterprise. Today it is used by millions of users around the world.
2. Applications and modules
Each application (Sales, Invoicing, Inventory) is made of modules, and each module adds a function. Modules connect to each other: installing the Brazilian localization, for example, adds tax rules, electronic invoices and the Brazilian chart of accounts to the applications the company already uses. That is why the same Odoo serves a small shop and a manufacturer with several branches.
3. Database, server and browser
All company data (customers, products, orders, invoices) lives in a database. The Odoo server applies the business rules and shows the screens, which open in the web browser, on the computer or on the phone, without installing anything on the user's machine. Each record has a history, and each user sees only what their access allows.
4. Versions
Odoo releases a new version every year. Each company uses one version, and moving to a newer one is a planned migration of the data and the modules. This documentation describes Odoo 16 with the Brazilian localization.
Expected result
You know where Odoo came from and how applications, modules, database and browser work together.
If something goes wrong
For the difference between the Community and Enterprise editions and the role of the OCA, see the guide on editions and licenses.