Under Perens' definition, open source is a broad software license that makes source code available to the general public with relaxed or non-existent restrictions on the use and modification of the code.

Open source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. "Source code" is the part of software that most computer users don't ever see; it's the code computer …

Open source software (OSS) is source code developed and maintained through open collaboration. Anyone can use, examine, alter and redistribute OSS as they see fit, typically at no cost.

Dec 12, 2025 · open source, social movement, begun by computer programmers, that rejects secrecy and centralized control of creative work in favour of decentralization, transparency, and unrestricted …

Dec 31, 2025 · Open source software is software anyone can view, copy, or modify. It’s popular because it’s free to use and a collaborative experience. Learn more about types of open source software and …

Jul 23, 2025 · Open source development is a collaborative approach to software development where the source code is made publicly available. This model allows anyone to view, modify, and distribute the …

Open source software (OSS) refers to software that features freely available source code, which users may view, modify, adopt, and share for both commercial and noncommercial purposes.

Feb 19, 2025 · Unlike proprietary software, open source software is computer software that is developed as a public, open collaboration and made freely available to the public.

Learn what open source means, how it works, and why it drives innovation across the global software ecosystem.

Jun 2, 2025 · Open source software refers to computer programs whose source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This transparency contrasts sharply with proprietary …