What is open source software definition




















Open source software refers to computer code that is distributed under a license in which the copyright holder grants users the rights to freely access, modify, and distribute the software for any purpose. The Open Source Initiative, launched as a steward organization for the open source software movement in , established and published The Open Source Definition, a guideline outlining the criteria with which software distribution terms must comply in order to be classified as open source software:.

Open source software is often developed using the bazaar model, which exhibits several distinct patterns, such as early releases, frequent integration, several versions, high modularization, dynamic decision-making structure, and the practice of treating users and co-developers. Solutions used to support open source software development include tools such as Concurrent Versions System CVS and Git, bug trackers like Bugzilla and Redmine, and source code hosting facilities such as Launchpad.

There are some potential setbacks associated with open source software programs. While there is no initial cost, there may still be some indirect, long-term costs for external support and maintenance.

External support may be a necessary component due to the developer-friendly nature of open source software and its tendency to rely on its community of users to respond to and fix problems. Every time computer users view web pages, check email, chat with friends, stream music online, or play multiplayer video games, their computers, mobile phones, or gaming consoles connect to a global network of computers using open source software to route and transmit their data to the "local" devices they have in front of them.

The computers that do all this important work are typically located in faraway places that users don't actually see or can't physically access—which is why some people call these computers "remote computers. More and more, people rely on remote computers when performing tasks they might otherwise perform on their local devices.

For example, they may use online word processing, email management, and image editing software that they don't install and run on their personal computers. Instead, they simply access these programs on remote computers by using a Web browser or mobile phone application.

When they do this, they're engaged in "remote computing. Some people call remote computing "cloud computing," because it involves activities like storing files, sharing photos, or watching videos that incorporate not only local devices but also a global network of remote computers that form an "atmosphere" around them. Cloud computing is an increasingly important aspect of everyday life with Internet-connected devices. Some cloud computing applications, like Google Apps, are proprietary.

Others, like ownCloud and Nextcloud , are open source. Cloud computing applications run "on top" of additional software that helps them operate smoothly and efficiently, so people will often say that software running "underneath" cloud computing applications acts as a " platform " for those applications.

Cloud computing platforms can be open source or closed source. OpenStack is an example of an open source cloud computing platform. Many people prefer open source software because they have more control over that kind of software. They can examine the code to make sure it's not doing anything they don't want it to do, and they can change parts of it they don't like.

Users who aren't programmers also benefit from open source software, because they can use this software for any purpose they wish—not merely the way someone else thinks they should. Other people like open source software because it helps them become better programmers. Because open source code is publicly accessible, students can easily study it as they learn to make better software. Students can also share their work with others, inviting comment and critique, as they develop their skills.

When people discover mistakes in programs' source code, they can share those mistakes with others to help them avoid making those same mistakes themselves. Some people prefer open source software because they consider it more secure and stable than proprietary software.

Because anyone can view and modify open source software, someone might spot and correct errors or omissions that a program's original authors might have missed. And because so many programmers can work on a piece of open source software without asking for permission from original authors, they can fix, update, and upgrade open source software more quickly than they can proprietary software.

Many users prefer open source software to proprietary software for important, long-term projects. Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn all release OSS, so developers can share knowledge, innovate solutions, and contribute to stable, functional products. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

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