What Is Open Source Software and How It Works

Key Takeaways:

• Open source software (OSS) is a computer software that is made available with its source code. This allows users to view, modify, and distribute the software freely under specific licensing terms.
• Often developed by a global community, open source software benefits from collective contributions that drive continuous improvement, faster bug fixes, and the regular addition of new features.
• Open source software is generally free to use, reducing the costs associated with licensing fees. This makes it an attractive option for individuals, businesses, and organizations looking to manage budgets effectively.

 

Ever used the Linux operating system or browsed the web with Firefox? If so, you’re already familiar with open source and its impact on software development. This model has grown progressively stronger and more influential, recognized for its transparency, cost-efficiency, and community-driven approach that fuels innovation in the tech industry. In fact, 78% of businesses now run on open source software. This widespread adoption has not only propelled software development forward but has also set a standard for collaborative, accessible technology solutions across the globe.

What Is Open Source Software?

Open source software (OSS) is a computer software that is made available with its source code. This allows users to view, modify, and distribute the software freely under specific licensing terms. Unlike proprietary software, which restricts access to the underlying code, OSS promotes collaboration, transparency, and innovation by enabling developers and organizations to adapt and improve the software to meet their needs. Commonly governed by licenses like the GNU General Public License (GPL) or MIT License, OSS is built on the principles of community-driven development, fostering shared contributions and mutual benefit among its users.

Key Elements of Open Source Software

Open source software is defined by several core principles that distinguish it from proprietary alternatives:

1. Access to Source Code: The source code is openly available for anyone to view, modify, and enhance.
2. Freedom to Modify and Share: Users have the liberty to adapt the software to their needs and distribute the modified versions.
3. Community-Driven Collaboration: OSS thrives on contributions from developers, testers, and users worldwide.
4. License-Defined Rights: Open source licenses, such as the GNU General Public License (GPL) or MIT License, govern how the software can be used, ensuring it remains open.
5. Transparency and Peer Review: The open nature fosters peer review, improving security, functionality, and reliability.

The History of Open Source Software

The origins of open source software trace back to the early days of computing. In the 1950s and 1960s, researchers and developers often shared software freely, promoting a culture of collaboration and openness. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that this culture evolved into the modern open-source movement we recognize today.

In 1991, Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel, which became the cornerstone of the open-source operating system now widely known as Linux. The term “open source” was officially coined in 1998 when a group of developers and advocates sought to present free software in a way that would resonate with the business community. They believed that “open source” would more effectively convey the advantages of free software and broaden its appeal.

Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Movement in the 1980s, was a key figure in emphasizing the importance of freedom in software. He argued that software should allow users to operate, study, modify, and distribute it freely. Stallman’s movement underscored not only the practical benefits of open source but also the ethical implications, highlighting how proprietary software can restrict user freedom and contribute to social injustice. His vision of a community where creators and users collaborate for the greater good helped build a network of passionate individuals united by shared expertise and common goals.

What Is an Open Source License?

An open source license is a legal document that governs how open-source software can be used, modified, and distributed. It grants users specific rights, such as running the program for any purpose, studying its code, modifying it for their needs, redistributing copies, and even further developing the software and sharing those modifications publicly.

Open source licenses ensure the program remains “open,” meaning the source code stays freely available for anyone to examine, edit, and distribute. These licenses come in various categories, each with its own terms and limitations. Common examples include the GNU General Public License (GPL), the Apache License, and the MIT License. These licenses differ in details like whether modifications must be released under the same license or if the software can be used in proprietary products.

Roles Within an Open Source Community

An open source community thrives through the collective efforts of individuals who take on various roles to ensure the project’s success. These roles often overlap, with many members contributing in multiple capacities. Below is a breakdown of key roles within an open source community:

• Maintainers: Responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of the project. They review contributions, manage the project roadmap, and ensure the overall health and progress of the software.
• Contributors: Actively adding value through code, documentation, bug fixes, or other enhancements, contributors play a vital role in the project’s growth. Their level of access to the project’s repository may vary based on their contributions.
• Designers: They create user interfaces, graphics, and design elements to improve the usability and visual appeal of the software, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Bug Reporters: Crucial to the development process, bug reporters identify and report software issues, providing detailed information that helps developers diagnose and resolve problems efficiently.
• Testers: Testers ensure the quality of the software by rigorously testing new features, updates, or bug fixes, providing valuable feedback on performance and usability.
• Community Managers: They facilitate communication and collaboration within the community. They organize events, manage social media channels, and assist with onboarding new contributors, helping to keep the community engaged and active.
• Documentation Writers: These technical writers create and maintain clear and comprehensive documentation, making it easier for users and developers to understand and utilize the software.
• Translators: Translators work to make the project accessible to a global audience by translating documentation, interfaces, or other content into different languages.
• Users: Although not directly contributing code, users are essential to the community. They provide valuable feedback, report bugs, and suggest new features, helping to shape the project’s development.

Misconceptions About Open Source Software

There are many misconceptions about open source products, often stemming from a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding. Below are some common misconceptions and the truths behind them:

1. Lower Quality and Security

A common misconception is that open source software lacks quality and security. This belief arises from a misunderstanding of the rigorous testing and review processes that open source projects undergo. With a large community of developers involved, vulnerabilities are often identified and fixed quickly. For example, the OpenSSL project showcased the open source community’s ability to respond quickly to security issues. 

2. Limited Functionality

Some believe that proprietary software, developed for profit, offers more extensive functionality than open source alternatives. However, this is not necessarily true. Open source projects frequently provide a wide range of features and can be extended through plugins and add-ons. For instance, Mozilla Firefox, an open source web browser, is renowned for its extensive features and customization options, often rivaling proprietary browsers like Google Chrome.

3. Lack of Support

Another misconception is that open source software lacks adequate support. While dedicated support teams may not always be available, many open source projects have active communities that offer excellent documentation, troubleshooting assistance, and forums. The Linux operating system is a prime example, with a vast community providing support through various online resources. Additionally, some open source projects offer paid support options in their pro or enterprise versions, generating revenue and ensuring continued development.

4. Requirement for Technical Knowledge

It’s often assumed that open source software is only suitable for programmers. However, many open source applications are designed with general users in mind and require no more technical knowledge than proprietary software. For example, LibreOffice, a popular alternative to Microsoft Office, is user-friendly and accessible to non-technical users.

5. Lack of User-Friendly Designs

Critics sometimes argue that open source software lacks user-friendly designs, making it difficult to use. While some open source software may have a learning curve, many applications are highly intuitive. WordPress, an open source content management system (CMS), is widely praised for its ease of use, catering to users of all technical levels.

6. Open Source Software Is Bad for Business

A misconception exists that open source software is detrimental to businesses by forcing them to give away products for free or convert them to open source. However, many open source licenses, such as the Apache License, allow businesses to incorporate open source software into proprietary products. This misunderstanding likely stems from confusion over licensing terms. In reality, using open source software can be highly beneficial for businesses, enabling them to leverage existing projects, reduce development costs, and foster innovation within the industry.

What Are the Benefits of Open Source Software? 

A recent study found that 96% of total codebases contain open source software, underscoring its widespread adoption across various industries. Open source software offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive choice for individuals and organizations alike.

Key benefits of open source software include:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Open source software is often free to use, eliminating licensing and acquisition costs. This can be especially beneficial for small businesses and startups with limited budgets. 

2. Flexibility and Customization

The ability to modify the source code to suit specific requirements allows for the creation of tailored solutions. For example, the Android operating system is built on open-source code, allowing manufacturers to tailor it for their devices, unlike Apple’s iOS.

3. Continuous Innovation

Open source software drives a global community of developers who can build upon existing projects and contribute their expertise. This collaborative approach fuels innovation, leading to innovative solutions like the Linux operating system and the Apache Hadoop big data framework.

4. Community Support

Open source projects are often backed by large communities of developers and users who provide invaluable support, documentation, and troubleshooting assistance. The WordPress CMS, for instance, has a huge community (e.g., millions of users) offering extensive support and plugins to enhance its functionality.

5. Compliance and Transparency

The accessibility of the source code enhances transparency, helping businesses meet legal and regulatory standards. The OpenChain Project serves as a great example, providing open-source guidelines for managing compliance within businesses.

6. Security

While not invincible, the open nature of open source code allows for faster identification and patching of vulnerabilities. The OpenSSL project exemplifies this – the Heartbleed vulnerability was quickly addressed through community collaboration. This transparency arguably makes open source software more secure than proprietary software, as a larger community of developers can identify and fix problems faster.

7. Vendor Independence

Using open source software reduces reliance on a single vendor since the code is freely accessible and modifiable. This eliminates the risk of vendor lock-in and grants businesses more control over their software infrastructure.

8. Long-Term Sustainability

Open source software is frequently developed and maintained by communities of volunteers and organizations with a shared interest in its success. This distributed development model fosters the software’s long-term sustainability.

9. Effective Training Tool for Beginners

Open source code serves as a valuable learning resource for students and aspiring programmers. By studying publicly available code, beginners can gain practical experience in designing industry-standard software. Simultaneously, experienced developers can contribute to these projects, helping beginners learn by correcting errors and bugs in a collaborative environment.

Why Open Source Software May Be More Secure Than Proprietary Alternatives

Open source software is often considered more secure than proprietary software due to its transparent nature. This transparency allows for extensive peer review and rapid response to vulnerabilities, which can lead to a more secure product. However, some argue that the wider distribution of open source code could make it more susceptible to attacks.

Here are some key reasons why open source software may offer superior security:

1. Stronger Peer Review

Open source development fosters a robust peer review culture because the source code is available for anyone to inspect. This openness enables a large community of developers to identify and address security flaws more effectively than in closed-source software, which has a limited number of reviewers.

2. Faster Vulnerability Response

The 2020 Open Source Security and Risk Analysis (OSSRA) report by Synopsys reveals that vulnerabilities in open source software are typically remediated much faster than those in commercial software. The report indicates an average remediation time of 1 to 3 weeks for open source vulnerabilities, compared to 38 days for commercial software. This quick response time underscores the open source community’s agility in addressing security issues and releasing timely patches.

3. Adoption by Security-Conscious Organizations

Security-conscious organizations, including governments and financial institutions, often choose open source software for its perceived security benefits. For instance, the U.S. Department of Defense actively encourages the use of open-source software, recognizing its security advantages.

Open Source Software vs. Proprietary Software (Closed Source)

Open-source software is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute, while proprietary software, also known as closed-source software, is controlled by a single company that restricts access to its source code. When comparing these two software types, several key factors highlight how open-source software often provides more compelling benefits for users:

 

Factors	Open Source Software	Proprietary Software
Cost	Often free, with no licensing fees.	Typically requires purchasing a license or subscription.
Source Code	The source code is openly available for viewing and modification.	The source code is proprietary and not accessible to users.
Customization	Can be easily customized and modified to meet specific needs.	The vendor has limited and strict control over customization options.
Community Support	Benefits from a large community of developers who provide support and contribute to improvements.	Relies on vendor support, which may vary in quality and availability.
Security	Often perceived as more secure due to its transparent nature and peer review.	Security relies on the vendor’s practices and may not be as transparent.
Vendor Lock-in	Reduces vendor lock-in as users can switch between different implementations.	Users are typically locked into using the software from a single vendor.
Updates and Upgrades	Frequent updates and upgrades are often available from the community.	Updates and upgrades are controlled by the vendor’s release schedule.
Flexibility	Offers greater flexibility in terms of usage and deployment.	Deployment options are often more rigid and limited.
Innovation	Encourages innovation through collaboration and sharing of ideas.	The vendor’s internal development team drives innovation.
Ownership	Users retain ownership of any modifications or enhancements made to the software.	Users may be restricted in how they can modify or distribute the software.

Conclusion

Open source software offers numerous advantages for both individuals and organizations. Its transparent and collaborative nature fosters innovation, security, and flexibility. By embracing open source, individuals can access a wide range of high-quality software for free, empowering them to learn, innovate, and create without immediate financial barriers. For organizations, open source allows them to reduce costs, customize solutions to meet specific needs, and benefit from a vibrant community of software engineers and users who provide support and contribute to ongoing improvements.

Open-source software promotes a culture of sharing and collaboration that aligns perfectly with the principles of the digital age. It enables individuals and organizations to work together towards common goals, driving innovation and progress for the benefit of all.

Identity.com

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As members of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), we uphold the standards for the World Wide Web and work towards a more secure and user-friendly online experience. Identity.com is an open-source ecosystem providing access to on-chain and secure identity verification. Our solutions improve the user experience and reduce onboarding friction through reusable and interoperable Gateway Passes. Please get in touch for more information about how we can help you with identity verification and general KYC processes.