Open source refers to source code that is publicly accessible, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, and share it. Originating in software development, it has grown into a broader philosophy embracing open exchange, collaboration, and community-oriented development. The open source movement addresses copyright, licensing, and consumer issues, promoting universal access and redistribution of a product's design or blueprint.
The open source concept gained momentum in the late 1990s, with the term "open source" being coined in 1998. This was partly in response to the limitations of proprietary code and the desire to clarify the "free software" concept. The Open Source Initiative (OSI) was founded to promote and protect open source software, providing a clear definition for open source licenses.
Examples of open source software include the Linux operating system, the Apache HTTP Server, the LibreOffice suite, and the GIMP image editor. These tools are developed collaboratively, often by global communities, and are used in various applications from web servers to cloud computing platforms and AI development. Prominent platforms like GitHub facilitate open-source collaboration, enabling developers to contribute to projects worldwide.