Darktable is a powerful photo editing tool that offers many of the same features as Adobe Lightroom, but without the cost or subscription hassle. It provides granular control over editing tools, an interface that can be customized to suit individual needs, and even supports Lua scripts for complete overhaul. With its ability to handle massive libraries with ease and a flexible workflow, Darktable is ideal for both amateur and professional photographers.
Darktable’s intuitive editing interface offers a range of controls, including exposure, color balance, tone curves, and retouching tools. It also provides modules for targeting specific areas in an image and adjusting mid-tones across saturation and brilliance. One key difference between Darktable and Lightroom is its ability to handle large libraries without slowing down or crashing.
With native support for Lua scripts, users can add custom features and override the default interface. This flexibility makes Darktable a great option for those looking for more control over their editing workflow. While it may have a steeper learning curve than some other options, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/obscure-open-source-tool-better-than-paid-alternative-ive-tried