Technology Fundamentals
Open Source
Definition
Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is released under a license in which the copyright holder grants users the rights to use, study, change, and distribute the software and its source code to anyone and for any purpose.
Why It Matters
Open source fosters collaboration, transparency, and rapid innovation. Many foundational technologies, from the Linux operating system to the Chrome web browser, are built on open-source principles.
Contextual Example
The content management system WordPress is open-source. This allows a global community of developers to contribute to its code, create plugins, and fix bugs, making it a robust and flexible platform.
Common Misunderstandings
- Open source does not always mean free of charge. Companies can charge for support, services, or enhanced versions of open-source software.
- It is not inherently less secure. The transparency of open source often allows more people to inspect the code for vulnerabilities, potentially making it more secure.