What is open?

Open source is software whose original code is made publicly available so anyone can see, use, modify, and share it. Unlike proprietary software, which is kept secret and controlled by a single company, open source encourages collaboration and transparency.

Let's break it down

  • Source code: The human‑readable instructions that make the program work. In open source, this code is posted online.
  • License: A legal document that tells you what you can and cannot do with the code (e.g., MIT, GPL, Apache).
  • Community: Developers, testers, and users who contribute improvements, fix bugs, and help each other.
  • Repository: A storage location (like GitHub or GitLab) where the code lives and where changes are tracked.

Why does it matter?

Open source lowers the cost of technology because you don’t have to pay licensing fees. It also speeds up innovation since many people can work on the same project at once. Transparency lets users inspect the code for security flaws or hidden features, building trust.

Where is it used?

  • Operating systems: Linux, Android
  • Web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Chromium
  • Servers & databases: Apache, Nginx, MySQL, PostgreSQL
  • Development tools: Git, Visual Studio Code, Docker
  • IoT & hardware: Arduino, Raspberry Pi OS
  • Business software: WordPress, OpenStack, Kubernetes

Good things about it

  • Cost‑effective: Free to download and use.
  • Customizable: You can adapt the software to fit exact needs.
  • Security: Many eyes can spot and fix vulnerabilities quickly.
  • Community support: Forums, tutorials, and contributors help solve problems.
  • Longevity: Projects can survive even if the original creator stops working on them.

Not-so-good things

  • Variable quality: Not all open‑source projects are well‑maintained or documented.
  • Support gaps: Official customer service may be missing; you rely on community help.
  • Compatibility issues: Some open‑source tools may not work smoothly with proprietary systems.
  • License confusion: Misunderstanding license terms can lead to legal problems.
  • Security risks: If a project is abandoned, vulnerabilities may remain unfixed.