OPEN SOURCE Meaning and
Definition
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Open source refers to a software, program, or technology that is freely available to the public for use, modification, and distribution. In an open source system, the source code, which is the underlying code that creates the software, is made accessible for anyone to view, modify, and improve upon. This gives users the freedom to study how the software functions, customize it to suit their needs, and share it with others.
Open source values collaboration and transparency, as it encourages a community-driven approach to development. This means that developers from all around the world can contribute their expertise and ideas to enhance the software, fix bugs, and add new features. This way, open source fosters innovation and continuous improvement, often resulting in high-quality, reliable, and secure software.
Open source software is typically licensed under an open source license, such as the GNU General Public License (GPL) or the Apache License. These licenses ensure that the software remains open and free, allowing users to use, redistribute, and modify it. They also protect the rights of the original developers by ensuring that derivative works must also be made available as open source, thus promoting a virtuous cycle of collaboration and sharing.
Overall, open source represents a philosophy and a development model that empowers individuals and communities to create and improve software, fostering an environment of inclusivity, transparency, and innovation.
Common Misspellings for OPEN SOURCE
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Etymology of OPEN SOURCE
The term "open source" originates from the world of software development. It was coined in 1998 during a strategy session held by a group of experts in the field, which included Eric S. Raymond, Christine Peterson, and others. This session aimed to find a new term to replace the term "free software", which was causing ambiguity and confusion due to its multiple interpretations.
During the session, the term "open source" was proposed by Christine Peterson, who was an executive at the Foresight Institute. The term resonated with the participants, capturing the essence of a collaborative and transparent software development model. It emphasizes the idea that the source code of a software program is made freely available to the public, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it.
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