Open Source Software

Open Source Software

Open Source Software (pronounced: /ˈoʊpən ˈsɔrs ˈsɔftˌwɛr/) is a type of Computer software where the Source code is released under a license that allows users to view, modify, and distribute the software. The term "open source" refers to something that can be modified because its design is publicly accessible.

Etymology

The term "Open Source Software" was coined in 1998 by the Open Source Initiative (OSI), a non-profit organization that promotes the use of open source software. The term was created to replace the term "free software," which was often misunderstood to mean that the software was available at no cost.

Related Terms

• Source code: The human-readable form of a software program that is used to make changes to the software.
• Open Source Initiative: A non-profit organization that promotes the use of open source software.
• License: A legal document that specifies the terms and conditions for the use and distribution of software.
• Computer software: A collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work.

See Also

• Free software
• Proprietary software
• Software license
• Software development

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