In open-source software, the source code (the instructions the programmer wrote) is published. Anyone can read it, understand how it works, change it and make their own version, within the limits of that project's license.
Does open source mean free?#
Not necessarily. Most projects are free, but the main criterion is access to the code and the right to modify it, not price. Some companies sell support services or a cloud version.
Advantages#
- Transparency: a large group of people can see security weaknesses and fix them sooner.
- Not depending on one company: if a company abandons the project, others can carry on.
- The ability to customize and to learn from real code.
Examples you know#
Linux, WordPress, Firefox, VLC, LibreOffice, GIMP and 7-Zip. These are reliable free alternatives to commercial software.
Important points#
Each open-source project has its own license (for example GPL or MIT), and the terms for commercial use and redistribution differ between them. Read the license before using it in a commercial product.
Common mistake#
Being open source does not mean being absolutely secure; it only makes review easier. Keeping it up to date is still necessary.