open source
/ˌəʊ.pənˈsɔːs/noun and adjective
Open source is software whose source code is available under a licence that allows others to use, study, modify and redistribute it.
We chose an open source database that we can modify and manage ourselves.
With open source, the source code of software is available to others. A licence determines what they can do with that code. An open source licence allows people to use, study, modify and redistribute the software. The licence may set conditions on how they do so.
Publishing source code online does not, by itself, make software open source. If the licence prohibits changes or redistribution, people can inspect the code, but the software does not meet the generally accepted definition of open source.
How does open source work in practice?
The creators usually publish the source code in a repository, together with the chosen licence. Other developers can report bugs, suggest improvements or create their own version of the software. The project maintainer decides which contributions become part of the original Glossary · In briefcodebaseA codebase is the collection of source code used to build and maintain a software product or component.Read more.
Open source does not mean that anyone can change the official version without following any rules. Projects often have contribution guidelines, Glossary · In briefcode reviewA code review is an assessment of a code change by another developer. They check its behaviour, readability, and maintainability, among other things, before the change is merged.Read more and a process for deciding on new features. The creators also retain copyright; the licence gives others certain rights to use their work.
Is open source always free of charge?
Open source software can be available for free, but it does not have to be. The licence also permits commercial use and sale. For example, a provider may charge for hosting, support, implementation or a ready-to-use distribution.
Conversely, software that costs nothing is not automatically open source. Freeware costs nothing to use, but its source code may remain closed, and changes or redistribution may be prohibited. Whether software is open source depends on the rights granted by its licence, rather than its price.