Open-source software
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| Open-source software | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Open-source software |
| Developer | Linus Torvalds, Richard Stallman, Eric S. Raymond, Debian Project, Apache Software Foundation |
| Released | 1980s–1990s |
| Programming language | C (programming language), Python (programming language), Java (programming language), Rust (programming language) |
| Operating system | Linux, FreeBSD, Android (operating system) |
| License | GNU General Public License, MIT License, Apache License |
Open-source software is software distributed with source code that permits users to study, modify, and redistribute copies under defined terms. It encompasses projects ranging from operating systems like Linux and FreeBSD to applications such as Mozilla Firefox and LibreOffice, and is associated with organizations including the Apache Software Foundation and the Debian Project. The movement intersects with personalities like Richard Stallman, Linus Torvalds, and Eric S. Raymond, and with legal frameworks exemplified by the GNU General Public License and the MIT License.
Definition and Principles
Formal definitions derive from documents such as the Open Source Initiative's criteria and contrast with the Free Software Foundation's four freedoms advocated by Richard Stallman. Core principles include access to source code, rights to modify, rights to redistribute, and non-discrimination clauses echoed in documents from entities like OSI and projects such as Debian. These principles inform project governance at organizations including the Apache Software Foundation and standards bodies like the Linux Foundation.
History and Development
Roots trace to early collaborative projects at institutions like Bell Labs and universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley, where the BSD (operating system) lineage emerged. The 1980s saw activist scholarship from Richard Stallman and the Free Software Foundation; the 1990s featured the formation of the Open Source Initiative and landmark releases such as the Linux kernel by Linus Torvalds and the development of Mozilla from Netscape Communications Corporation sources. Major events include the release of pivotal licenses like the GNU General Public License and the founding of foundations including the Apache Software Foundation and the Eclipse Foundation.
Licenses and Legal Issues
Licensing distinguishes permissive licenses (e.g., MIT License, BSD License, Apache License) from copyleft licenses (e.g., GNU General Public License, GNU Affero General Public License). Legal disputes have involved corporations such as Google LLC, Microsoft, Oracle Corporation, and entities like the Software Freedom Conservancy. Jurisdictional matters touch courts such as the United States Court of Appeals and legal instruments including copyright law, contract law, and litigation exemplified by cases involving Oracle America, Inc. v. Google, Inc. and debates around patents defended by firms and institutions like IBM.
Governance and Community Models
Projects adopt governance models ranging from meritocratic communities exemplified by Debian Project and Linux kernel maintainership to corporate stewardship seen in Red Hat, Inc. and Canonical (company). Community structures include foundations like the Apache Software Foundation, contributor license agreements used by Google Open Source Programs Office, and codes of conduct influenced by conferences such as FOSDEM and OSCON. Social dynamics involve contributors affiliated with universities like Stanford University and companies such as Microsoft and Intel Corporation.
Development Practices and Tools
Tooling and workflows rely on platforms like Git and hosting services including GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket; continuous integration systems such as Jenkins (software), Travis CI, and CircleCI; and issue trackers like those at Bugzilla and JIRA (software). Development methodologies include distributed version control modeled by Git and collaborative practices promoted at events like Hackathons and organizations such as the Linux Foundation. Prominent languages used across projects include C (programming language), C++, Python (programming language), JavaScript and tooling ecosystems such as Node.js and Rust (programming language).
Economic and Business Models
Economic models range from support and services offered by firms like Red Hat, Inc. and Canonical (company) to dual-licensing strategies used by companies such as MongoDB, Inc. and MySQL AB. Cloud and platform providers including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure influence consumption and monetization of open-source projects. Funding mechanisms include sponsorships from foundations like the Linux Foundation, grants from institutions such as the National Science Foundation, and corporate contributions from companies like IBM and Intel Corporation.
Security, Quality, and Maintenance
Security challenges intersect with incident responses coordinated by groups like CERT Coordination Center and advisories from projects such as Debian and Mozilla Security teams. Software quality and maintenance depend on processes including code review, automated testing with tools like Valgrind and Coverity, and long-term support initiatives exemplified by Ubuntu LTS and commercial support from Red Hat, Inc.. Notable vulnerabilities and response stories have involved projects maintained by organizations such as OpenSSL and events like the Heartbleed disclosure.
Category:Free and open-source software