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Developer Dictionary

Open Source

Definition

Source code that is made freely available for possible modification and redistribution.

Deep Dive

Open Source refers to software whose source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to view, use, modify, and distribute it for any purpose. This collaborative development model stands in contrast to proprietary software, where the source code is typically kept secret and its use is restricted by licenses. The philosophy behind open source promotes transparency, peer review, and community collaboration, fostering rapid innovation and the creation of robust, high-quality software often maintained by a global network of contributors.

Examples & Use Cases

  • 1The Linux operating system, which powers everything from smartphones to supercomputers
  • 2WordPress, a popular content management system used by millions of websites
  • 3Firefox, a web browser developed by the Mozilla community.

Related Terms

FOSSProprietary SoftwareCommunity

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