Free and open-source software

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Free and open-source software

Free and open-source software (FOSS) is Software that is both free software and open-source software. This means it grants users certain freedoms and typically makes the software's underlying design accessible.

The term "free" in "free software" refers to freedom, not price. It's often described as "free as in freedom" or "free as in speech," rather than "free as in free beer" (though much FOSS is also available at no cost).

Free Software Definition

The definition of free software, as established by the Free Software Foundation, is based on four essential freedoms that users should have:

  • Freedom 0: The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose.
  • Freedom 1: The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your computing as you wish. Access to the Source code is a necessary precondition for this.
  • Freedom 2: The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
  • Freedom 3: The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others. By doing this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from your changes. Access to the Source code is a necessary precondition for this.

If software grants users these four freedoms, it is considered free software. Prominent examples include the GNU Project and the Linux kernel.

Open Source Definition

The Open Source Definition, maintained by the Open Source Initiative (OSI), lists a set of criteria that a software license must meet for the software to be considered open source. While the focus and philosophy are slightly different from free software (often emphasizing practical benefits like collaboration and reliability rather than purely ethical freedoms), software licensed under an open source license generally also grants users the freedom to access, modify, and redistribute the Source code.

Why "Free and Open-Source"?

The terms "free software" and "open source software" originated from slightly different philosophies but describe software that is very similar in practice. Most software that qualifies as free software also qualifies as open source, and vice versa. Because of this significant overlap, the combined term FOSS or "Free and Open Source Software" is frequently used to refer to software that fits either definition.

A key aspect common to both definitions is the availability of the **Source code**. The Source code is the human-readable version of the program written by programmers. Having access to the Source code is essential for users to exercise the freedoms to study, change, and distribute modified versions of the software.

Contrast with Proprietary Software

FOSS is contrasted with proprietary software (also known as closed-source software). With proprietary software, users are typically not given access to the Source code and their rights to use, study, modify, and redistribute the software are severely restricted by the software vendor through strict software licenses.

Benefits of FOSS

FOSS offers several potential benefits:

  • **Cost:** While not always free of charge, FOSS is often available at no cost, reducing licensing expenses.
  • **Flexibility and Customization:** Users with the necessary skills can modify the Source code to customize the software or add new features.
  • **Security:** The Source code is open for anyone to review, which can help identify and fix security vulnerabilities more quickly.
  • **Stability and Reliability:** Large communities often contribute to FOSS projects, leading to robust and well-tested software.
  • **Community and Support:** Users can often find help and support from online communities.
  • **No Vendor Lock-in:** Users are not tied to a single vendor for updates, support, or future development.
  • **Educational Value:** Studying the Source code can be valuable for learning about programming and software development.

Examples of FOSS

Many widely used software applications are FOSS:

Licensing

FOSS is distributed under specific software licenses (such as the GNU GPL, MIT License, Apache License) that grant the user the freedoms described in the free software and open source definitions. These licenses ensure that the software remains FOSS when it is shared or modified.

See Also

References

Template:Cite web

The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - The official definition of Free Software.

Template:Cite web

The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - The official definition of Open Source Software.

Template:Cite web

The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Explanation of open source from a major Linux vendor.

Template:Cite web

The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Simple explanation of free software.

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