What Is Open Source?
Open source is a term used to describe software that has been made available for free, with the source code freely accessible. Open source software can be modified and redistributed by anyone who wishes to do so. This type of software is often developed collaboratively by volunteers from around the world, making it an attractive option for those looking for cost-effective solutions or innovative ideas.
The open source movement began in 1998 when Netscape released its browser as open source code. Since then, many other companies have followed suit and released their own products under open source licenses such as Apache License 2.0 and GNU General Public License (GPL). These licenses allow users to modify and redistribute the software without having to pay any royalties or fees. The popularity of this model has grown significantly over time due to its flexibility and affordability compared to proprietary alternatives.