open-source software
Community-built programs
Open-source software is computer software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute.
The term distinguishes it from proprietary software, where the code remains hidden and controlled by its owner.
Open-source projects often rely on collaborative development: Linux is the most successful open-source software project in history.
The philosophy extends beyond code—open-source principles now apply to hardware, research, and other fields where transparency and shared development are valued.
- copyleftMandatory openness inheritance clause
- LinuxOpen-source operating system kernel
- GitHubWeb-based code hosting service
- version controlTracks changes to files
- bug trackerSystem for logging software defects
crowdsourcing · GNU · transparency · public domain · DevOps · tech stack · libraries · programming languages · bug · documentation · compile · kernel · Mozilla · Firefox · license · decentralized · code · patch
open-source softwareproprietary software
Restricted, owned computer programs
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