Open source software is software
whose source code is available for modification or enhancement by anyone.
Source code is the code which normal users cannot see. Developers can modify
this code to change or enhance the functionality of the software. Proprietary
software are the other software in which we don’t have access to the source
code.
The term 'free' in Free Open Source
software refers to freedom, not monetary cost. Though most free open source
software is indeed free in price, the term 'free' is referring to the freedom
to use the software and source code.
Free vs. Open Source Software:
Free Software was introduced by
Richard Stallman in early 1980’s. He started GNU project to avoid dilemma of
either denying his neighbor a copy of software/source code, or breaking either
copyright or Non-Disclosure Agreement. Free Software is focused on the freedom
to share with your neighbor.
Open Source was later introduced
by another community. Open Source is focused on effective development using the
bazaar model (as described in The Cathedral And The Bazaar).
Free Software:
Free Software is software which
users can freely:
- Run, for any purpose
- Study and modify for their own needs (requires source code)
- Redistribute copies (charging for them if they wish)
- Improve and release the changes to the public (requires source code)
Open Source Software:
The consumer of an open source
program has the rights to do the following things to the source code:
- Read it
- Use it
- Modify it
- Distribute it
- Charge money for services related to it, such as copying or support, so long as they do not infringe on the freedoms of others
More details about Free Software
and Open Source Software are available here.
Misconceptions:
- Free means there is no monetary cost
- Open Source software is low quality
- If the software is free, then who is going to pay you to write it?
- Open Source doesn't scale
- Open source has no support
- Open Source does not generate business revenue
- Large-scale development isn't efficient
Hi Thilak!
ReplyDeleteYou have come up with an interesting topic that really is a valid and I believe most of the people are not aware with this fact and thinks it's indeed the same thing. Even I got to know few things that I did not until now. I think keeping a software Open Source is a great idea as it promotes collaborative development among the community and also helps an individual grow by contributing to an Open Source project, which according to me is a best outcome.
You have put great point regarding misconception about Free vs Open source, even i to have same misconception few year ago, when open source software and new players came up in the market, every one say its free, then the first question come to my mind that you to put in your blog too- "If the software is free, then who is going to pay you to write it? and how they are going to generate the revenue". I also like the QR code you used in you blog.
ReplyDeleteGood work!!