Open-source software is characterized by the public accessibility of its code, while free software focuses on the capabilities for using and sharing the software. How does Open Source compare to Free Software? Access to the source code is a precondition for this. By doing this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from your changes. The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others (freedom 3).The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your computing as you wish (freedom 1).The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose (freedom 0).A program is free software if the program’s users have these four essential freedoms, according to Richard Stallman, a founder of the movement: To understand the concept, you should think of free as in free speech, not as in free beer.” -Richard Stallman Free software refers to software that complies to “four essential freedoms” – to use, study, modify and distribute software for any purpose without legal restraint. Note: “Free software is a matter of liberty, not price. We call this free software because the user is free,” according to the Free Software Foundation. “Free software is software that gives you the user the freedom to share, study and modify it. What is the definition of Free Software?įree software is not simply software for which there is no charge (although the term freeware is used generally to describe software without a cost). If the source code were available without compiling and encrypting, then it would be possible to study and modify the program-that is what open-source software provides: the ability to read and modify the code behind the software. Most proprietary software is distributed in the form of executable files, where the source code has been compiled such that it is encrypted for computer use, without the source code being available. Source code refers to computer instructions that are written by software developers in a programming language to manipulate the way software works. Open-source software is software whose source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and enhance. Hands-on Walk-through What is the definition of Open Source? You may print or copy the Hands-On Walk-through section to use as handout.It is not necessary to promote open source as superior to proprietary software, better to focus on the demonstrable benefits of open source for the WordPress project.Don’t assume that WordPress users have an understanding of software licensing.Are you interested in learning about the WordPress project?.Do you understand that software products are licensed for use?.Do you use software for personal or professional work?.Identify the ways that individuals and organizations can contribute to the WordPress project.Explain the benefits of open-source software for WordPress users.Describe and compare the concepts of open-source software, free software, and proprietary software.ObjectivesĪfter completing this lesson, students will be able to: This is a general topic with no prerequisites. In this lesson, you will learn the meaning of the term Open Source when referring to software, what the GPL software license provides, why WordPress is an open-source project, and how this is important for both the users of WordPress and the contributors to WordPress.
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