Open-source software

Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is available in source code

form for which the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for
copyright holders are provided under a software license that permits users to study,
change, and improve the software. Open source licenses often meet the
requirements of the Open Source Definition. Some open source software is available
within the public domain.

Contents

• 1 Open Source Definition

• 2 History
• 3 Definitions
o 3.1 The Open Source Definition
o 3.2 Perens' principles
• 4 Proliferation of the term
• 5 Non-software use
o 5.1 Business models
• 6 Widely used open source products
• 7 Development philosophy
• 8 Licensing
• 9 Funding
• 10 Open source vs. closed source

Open Source Definition

The Open Source Definition is used by the Open Source Initiative to determine
whether or not a software license can be considered open source.

Introduction

Open source doesn't just mean access to the source code.

The distribution terms of open-source software must comply with the
following criteria:

1. Free Redistribution

The license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the
software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing
programs from several different sources. The license shall not require a
royalty or other fee for such sale.
 2. Source Code

The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in
source code as well as compiled form. Where some form of a product is not
distributed with source code, there must be a well-publicized means of
obtaining the source code for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost
preferably, downloading via the Internet without charge.

History

The free software movement was launched in 1983. In 1998, a group of individuals
advocated that the term free software should be replaced by open source software
(OSS) as an expression which is less ambiguous and more comfortable for the
corporate world[5]. Software developers may want to publish their software with an
open source license, so that anybody may also develop the same software or
understand its internal functioning.

Proliferation of the term

While the term applied originally only to the source code of software,[12] it is now
being applied to many other areas such as open source ecology,[13] a movement to
decentralize technologies so that any human can use them. However, it is often
misapplied to other areas which have different and competing principles, which
overlap only partially.

Non-software use

The principles of open source have been adapted for many other forms of user
generated content and technology, including open source hardware.Supporters of
the open content movement advocate some restrictions of use, requirements to share
changes, and attribution to other authors of the work.

Business models

Main article: Business models for open source software. There are a number of
commonly recognized barriers to the adoption of open source software by
enterprises.

Widely used open source products

Open source software (OSS) projects are built and maintained by a network of
volunteer programmers. Prime examples of open source products are the Apache
HTTP Server, the e-commerce platform osCommerce and the internet browser
Mozilla Firefox.
Development philosophy

In his 1997 essay The Cathedral and the Bazaar[17], open source evangelist Eric S.
Raymond suggests a model for developing OSS known as the bazaar model.

What is Open Source Software?

Open source software can be defined as any computer software, generally developed
as a public collaboration, whose source code is made freely available.

Major Benefits of Open Source Software

Public Collaboration – One of the major benefits of open source software is the
public collaboration behind each project. Most open source projects are created by
tens of thousands of programmers all collaborating to create, and improve upon, a
flawless website framework.

Not bound to a single development company – With thousands of developers

already 100% knowledgeable with your software framework, any open source
friendly company can work on your website. Don’t be bound to a single
development company because you are stuck using their proprietary software.

Is my website secure?

One of the most common questions asked about using open source software is about
website security. If thousands of developers can view my source code, is my website
safe? Absolutely! The website source code only contains the logic and functionality
for your website. All database and server login/password credentials are safely
stored on your server where no one can access them.

Can anyone change my website?

No. Open source is publicly available software, but it still downloaded and
individually setup for each website. Your website is powered by your source code
that you own! Only individuals that have access to your hosting server can make
source code changes to your website.

If you can dream it, we can build it! Please contact us today to discuss your ideas
and how WebDevStudios can help you today!