Open Source

Open source refers to something that people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible. This term originated in the context of software development to designate a specific approach to creating computer programs.

Open-source software (OSS) is software whose source code is available for modification or enhancement by anyone. This means the code for the software is visible, accessible, and can be distributed freely. Some examples of open-source software include the Linux operating system and the Apache web server application.

Open source promotes:

1. Transparency: Since the code is publicly available, anyone can inspect the code to ensure it’s doing what it’s supposed to and nothing more. This transparency can be a confidence builder.
2. Collaboration: Open source invites anyone interested to work on projects, promoting global collaboration. This can bring in diverse perspectives and expertise to help solve problems or improve the software.
3. Freedom: Open source gives users the freedom to use, study, share, and modify the software. This freedom accelerates innovation and can lead to better, more robust solutions.
4. Community: Open-source software often fosters a community of users and developers who can provide a network of support.

Open source principles have been applied beyond software development, such as in open science, open data, open hardware, and even open business models.