Open-source software, or OSS for short, distributes source code publicly, making it super easy for collaboration amongst creators. The exchange of ideas and software developed by open-source communities has pushed forward advancement in creative, scientific, and technological industries. This movement of open software created a way for people all over the globe to share and assist not only individuals but group goals through code. The flexible software ensures that any developer with the source code can modify it and redistribute for better accessibility, and developers can share their ideas and codes to improve software solutions. Open-source projects embrace principles of open exchange, collaboration, transparency, and community orientated development. Some of the most popular OSS licenses are software’s like MIT License, SUSE Linux, and Ubuntu.
OSS is beneficial to programmers and non-programmers alike. Anyone who uses the internet today benefits because much of the internet itself was built upon open-source technology by inventors back then. Every time you do anything on the internet- chat, games, stream music or videos- or your PS4 or Xbox access the global network, you are using OSS to transmit data. People prefer to use open-source software for multiple reasons, including control, security, stability, and community.
On the other hand, closed source software (CSS) is encrypted code that is not distributed to the public, and only the original developers have legal rights to copy, update or edit the software in any way. CSS has restrictions on what can be done with the application, preventing anyone from copying and republishing the source code. Also, just because the source may be ‘open’ does not mean it’s free. Programmers can charge for software they create or contribute, but most of the time they find that charging for services and support instead of the software itself gets them a more lucrative price.