Open-Source Software (OSS)

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.

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.