Open-Source Software (OSS)

Last Updated: December 28, 2016

Definition - What does Open-Source Software (OSS) mean?

Open-source software (OSS) is software that is distributed with source code that may be read or modified by users.

The OSS community generally agrees that open-source software should meet the following criteria:

The program must be freely distributed
Source code must be included with the program
Anyone must be able to modify the source code
Modified versions of the source code may be redistributed

As well, an open-source software license must not require the exclusion of, or interfere with, the operation of other software.

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Techopedia explains Open-Source Software (OSS)

Unlike traditional software distributed in an unchangeable compiled format, open-source software is delivered with both compiled and non-compiled formats, allowing open code modification. In traditional software licenses, this privilege would be reserved for copyright holders.

Not all software developers favor the use of open-source software, but many have accepted it because it allows for quicker repair of software issues and may ultimately lead to higher quality applications.