Open-source software

Open-source software is software with source code that is readily accessible that anyone can modify and freely share because its source code is publicly available under an open-source license. Source code refers to the part of software most software and computer users do not see, and is the code programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software works or add or remove features.

Open-source software development is often done through the open collaboration of many software programmers in a public manner, through online platforms such as Github or SourceForge. These open-source software hubs are an example of open collaboration that can broaden design perspectives. Open-source practices can also lead to considerable savings, with many open-source offerings provided to consumers for free, and relying instead on diverse business models, including donations and shareware.

Open-source software is software with source code that is readily accessible that anyone can modify and freely share because its source code is publicly available under an open-source license. Source code refers to the part of software most software and computer users do not see, and is the code programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software works or add or remove features.