Open Source
Open Source refers to a type of software where the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. Here's an in-depth look at this concept:
Definition and Principles
- Source Code Availability: The source code, which is the human-readable code written by programmers, is made available to the public.
- Free Redistribution: The license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources.
- Derived Works: The license must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow them to be distributed under the same terms as the original software.
- Integrity of The Author's Source Code: The license may restrict source-code from being distributed in modified form only if the license allows the distribution of "patch files" with the source code for the purpose of modifying the program at build time.
- No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups: The license must not discriminate against any person or group of persons.
- No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor: The license must not restrict anyone from making use of the program in a specific field of endeavor.
- Distribution of License: The rights attached to the program must apply to all to whom the program is redistributed without the need for execution of an additional license by those parties.
- License Must Not Be Specific to a Product: The rights granted must not depend on the software being part of a particular software distribution.
- License Must Not Restrict Other Software: The license must not place restrictions on other software that is distributed along with the licensed software.
- Technology-Neutral: No provision of the license may be predicated on any individual technology or style of interface.
History
The concept of open source software can be traced back to the early days of computing:
- In the 1950s and 1960s, software was often shared among users of computers like the IBM System/360.
- The term "Open Source" was coined in 1998 by Christine Peterson, co-founder of the Foresight Institute, to describe a development methodology.
- This term was formalized in the Open Source Initiative (OSI), which was formed to promote and define open source software.
Context and Impact
- Community and Collaboration: Open source projects thrive on community contributions, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Transparency: Users can inspect the code for vulnerabilities, bugs, or to ensure no malicious code exists.
- Freedom: Users have the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve the software.
- Economic Impact: Open source has led to the creation of businesses around support, customization, and integration of open source software.
Notable Examples
- Linux - An operating system kernel which has led to various distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.
- Apache HTTP Server - One of the most popular web servers.
- Mozilla Firefox - An open-source web browser.
References:
Related Concepts