Open-Source Software

Open-source software refers to software whose source code is made publicly available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This model promotes collaborative development and transparency, enabling users to contribute to the improvement and evolution of the software. The open-source approach often contrasts with proprietary software, where the source code is kept secret and controlled by a single entity. Open-source software can vary widely in terms of licensing, with some licenses allowing unrestricted use and modification, while others may impose certain conditions. Prominent examples of open-source software include the Linux operating system, the Apache web server, and the Mozilla Firefox web browser. The open-source community often encourages sharing and learning, fostering innovation and diversity in software development.