Open source refers to software whose source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to inspect, use, modify, and distribute it freely under a license that grants these rights
. This openness enables collaborative development, where a community of users and developers can contribute improvements, adapt the software to their needs, and share their changes with others
. The open source model promotes transparency, peer review, and community participation, contrasting with proprietary software where the source code is closed and controlled by a single entity
. Open source software licenses typically ensure that the software remains free to use and modify, sometimes requiring that derivative works be shared under the same license terms (copyleft)
. Beyond software, the open source philosophy extends to broader values such as open exchange, meritocracy, and collaborative problem-solving in various fields
. Examples of open source projects include the Linux operating system, which is developed and maintained by a global community under the GNU General Public License (GPL)
. In summary, open source is a decentralized, collaborative approach to software development and other creative works, emphasizing freedom to access, modify, and share the source material
