What is Open Source?

an introduction

What is Open Source?

an introduction

WordPress logo blueprint style
Created by Michelle Schulp

Key Objectives

  1. Discern the similarities and differences between open-source software, free software, and proprietary software.

What is Open-Source Software?

Open-source software is software whose source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and enhance. Source code refers to computer instructions that are written by software developers in a programming language to manipulate the way software works.

Open-Source vs Free vs Proprietary Software

Open-source and free software have their similarities, and these similarities often lead to an improper assumption that these two entities are synonymous. Proprietary software is vastly different since it is often owned with restrictions.

Venn Diagram: A Comparison/Conversation

Venn Diagram Comparing Open-Source vs Free vs Proprietary

What is Free Software?

Free software is software that gives you the user the freedom to share, study and modify it. We call this free software because the user is free.

Free Software Foundation

What is Free Software?

Free software is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of free as in free speech, not as in free beer.

Richard Stallman

A program is free software if the program's users have these four essential freedoms, according to Richard Stallman, a founder of the movement:

Four Essential Freedoms of WordPress

  1. The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose (freedom 0).
  2. The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
  3. The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
  4. The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others (freedom 3). By doing this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from your changes. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

What is Proprietary Software?

Proprietary software has restrictions, as it is typically software that is owned by the person or business that created it.

It is not uncommon to find that the source code for proprietary software to be closely guarded and secret. Without doing so, users could study and modify the executable files, threatening the profitability of the software and the viability of its creator.

What is a GPL License

The GPL (General Public License) was created by Richard Stallman in 1989 and is the founding license for open-source software. Its goal is to protect four fundamental freedoms that are considered the underpinnings of free software.

Open-source Software and YOU: the Benefits

Ways you can contribute to the WordPress project

WordPress is maintained and advanced by a global community of volunteer contributors. WordPress needs more than software developers. All potential contributors have unique skill sets that help with: