When researching open source
software, its origins and definitions I quickly learned that open source and
free software are the same yet different in terms of philosophy.
The Open Source Initiative explains that although most open source software is free it is still licensed. To
be considered
open source, a license must be certified by and comply with the criteria set forth in Open Source Definition. It is software that anyone can inspect, modify, and improve to their needs and liking. And interestingly, there is nothing stopping contributing developers from selling their versions of an open source program.
open source, a license must be certified by and comply with the criteria set forth in Open Source Definition. It is software that anyone can inspect, modify, and improve to their needs and liking. And interestingly, there is nothing stopping contributing developers from selling their versions of an open source program.
In conclusion, my meager understanding is that, all “free software” qualifies as “open source”, but not all “open source software” qualifies as “free software”, because some open source licenses do not meet all 4 defined freedoms therefore, do not qualify as “free software” licenses.
Regardless of the philosophical debates that may be happening around me, I for one am delighted they both exist. And, not from a developer’s perspective, as I have yet to even dream of attempting to contribute, but more from an end user. Over the years, I have been ecstatic to discover the many programs available that have been developed to replace expensive programs and applications. The list of these, especially for businesses (I just discovered), is phenomenal and way beyond what I had ever imagined in my beginner dabbling.
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Open Source Initiative or the Free Software Foundation.
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