Open Source refers to software whose source code is made freely available to the public, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. This means that developers and organizations can access the code, improve upon it, or adapt it to their specific needs, often contributing back to the project. Open source software is typically developed collaboratively by a community of contributors, and the projects are often governed by licenses that set the terms for how the code can be used, shared, and modified.
The open-source model promotes transparency, innovation, and collaboration, allowing people to contribute without needing permission from a central authority. Some well-known open-source projects include the Linux Operating System, the Apache HTTP Server, and Mozilla Firefox. Open-source software can range from small tools and libraries to large applications, and it is used in many industries due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the strong community support that often accompanies it.