Open Source Software

From Isopedia

1 Definition
2 Purpose
3 Development Process
4 The Difference Between Open and Closed Source Software
5 Open Source Software Example Links
6 Team Members
7 Work Cited

Definition

A computer software for which the source code, which makes the program function, is made available to anyone who wishes to see it. Any user of the program is free to use the source code and elaborate on the program or entirely rebuild it. The process is performed using teamwork between all developers. Open source software generally allows anybody to make a new version of the software, port it to new operating systems and processor architectures, share it with others or market it. The aim of open source is to let the product be more understandable, modifiable, or simply accessible, while it is still marketable. The term Open Source Software (OSS) can be used interchangeably with the term Free Software, however recently in the business world open source software has become the proper name. The "open source" label was first introduced with the release of Netscape's source code for Navigator (as Mozilla.) Various leaders in the field agreed that this should not be called free software because the word "free" was too vague.

Purpose

Open source software allows for multiple inputs and ideas regarding the softwares functionality and design. An open source software can be publicly edited allowing for corrections to be made by 1000s of potential code editors. There are some main ideas that are the basis for open source software. Users are expected to act as co-developers of the software rather than simply buying the software. In order to act as developers of the software users need access to the source code. The ability to have total access to the software gives users the chance to report bugs and fix software. This freedom is not available for users of closed source software. The efficiency of the software depends on the synergy of all the developers and their ability to elaborate and maintain the software. The evolution of the software relies greatly upon the number of developers involved. In general, more developers leads to an increased rate of software advancement. A key part of obtaining enough co-developers is releasing the software early. The longer the software is available to the public, the faster it can be improved. The software should be updated often to prevent the buildup of massive amounts of bugs that need to be fixed at the end of the project life cycle. This approach is cheaper and easier than fixing everything at the end. The stable version of the software will probably have fewer features. Other users are more radical and want access to the newest version of the software despite the chance of an increased amount of bugs. Open source companies provide the original code and allow knowledgeable users to find the bugs in the technologically advanced software.

Development Process

The general development process consists of seven basic steps:

1. One or more developers--meaning people who have the skills to create software--get an idea about creating software to solve a problem.

2.The developers start writing code to create a solution. This is frequently called "scratching an itch."

3.The developers put this code where other developers can find out about it, download it, and play with it. There are many locations, where people post their projects.

4.Usually the source code is published under one of several popular open source licenses that ensure that the source code and any derivative works remain open source.

5.Through an informal process of sharing ideas, fiddling with each others' code, and trial and error, the software gets better and better, sometimes changing direction to solve new problems as new people discover the software.

6.At some point, the software gets finished or doesn't. It becomes popular, stays obscure, or fades away. Programs like Linux and Apache have had thousands of contributors. Other projects have been created by one or two people.

7.As time goes on, developers come and go, and projects become active or dormant.

The Difference Between Open and Closed Source Software

In a closed sourced program the program code is not available and the manipulation and redistribution of the software is not permissible. The "inner workings" of an open source program are not kept a secret while companies who write closed sourced programs go to great lengths to keep their source code inaccessible. There are almost no limitations to what you can do with an open sourced program. The authors are protected by a GPL (general public license) which basically means you can change it and give it to as many people as you want for free. You cannot, however, try to take credit for writing the software. If you infringe upon the privacy of closed source software you are in danger of the company taking legal action on you. Closed source software authors do not allow the source code to be made available generally so they can maximize their profits and set further limitations on their software to inhibit other companies or people from making money of their software.