What does open-source software mean?

Open-source software refers to software for which the source code is made publicly available. This means that anyone can view, modify, and distribute the code. The core principle behind open-source software is to encourage collaboration and sharing among programmers and users. This openness fosters community-driven development, where individuals can contribute to the improvement of the software, leading to more robust and innovative solutions.

While some open-source software can be free for any purpose, that is not a requirement of being open-source; it is the availability of the source code that defines it. Open-source projects may have various licensing models, which can dictate how the software can be used or shared, but the fundamental aspect is the openness of the source code itself. This collaborative environment contrasts with proprietary software, which restricts access to the source code and limits modification or distribution.