What Is Open-Source Software? (Definition and Examples)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated June 15, 2022 | Published July 21, 2021

Updated June 15, 2022

Published July 21, 2021

It's important to find software that can meet your requirements and deliver the functionality you desire. Open-source software can provide collaborative, effective and secure solutions for users. If you work in software development or a related field, its helpful to learn more about this type of software.

In this article, we provide an open-source software definition with examples, explain its advantages, list reasons to use it and clarify what open-source licenses are.

Open-source software is computer software that allows anyone to use, study, change and distribute it for any purpose. It is often very collaborative with community members releasing open-source iterations with improved features or fixed bugs.

The source code is code programmers can manipulate to change the functionality of an application or program. By inspecting, altering and enhancing the source code, programmers can release additional open-source software that meets an expanded set of use cases.

Open-source copywriters often release the software under a license that allows users to change or use the software however they choose and to install it on as many computers as they want. They can use the software for educational, domestic, commercial or public administration use.

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Here are some examples of different open-source software offerings:

Linux operating system: Linux is one of the most widely supported operating systems. It's frequently used in computers, mainframes, smartphones, servers and embedded devices.

Apache web server application: Apache is a web server platform that's free and maintained by an open community of developers. The server stores data, processes requests and serves web assets in an easily queried format.

VCL media player: The VCL media player is a portable, open-source media player and streaming server. The program is compatible with mobile platforms and with various operating systems.

Google Android: Android is an open-source, mobile device operating system. Google released android's source code so users could access information and create variants of the operating system, accessories and port devices. Android releases its code to avoid failures within its programs.

LibreOffice: LibreOffice is the latest in a long line of open-source office suite programs. It includes several applications that handle word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, formula editing, flow charts and databases.

Firefox browser: The Firefox browser, or just Firefox, is an open-source web browser that uses the Gecko rendering engine, another open-source software, to display web pages.

WordPress: WordPress is a content management system with customizable themes, accessible features and plug-in architecture. Plug-in architecture is a system designed to support bundles that increase a program's functionality.

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Open-source software is important not only to software developers and coders but to other professionals as well. It encourages users to collaborate, modify and expand existing software. Conversely, proprietary, or closed source software, often uses source code that only one developer, team or business can see and control. Users can't build on the existing software or manipulate it to better suit their needs. With open-source software, people from a variety of professions and interests can benefit and develop alternative versions that they release back to the public.

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There are several benefits to using open-source software, including:

Open-source software invites users to change and incorporate programs into their own projects. This can create environments of collaboration and sharing because many can benefit from a program's expanded functionality. People who create, test, use and promote open-source programs make up the community surrounding software. Sometimes, community members form groups and meet-ups to collaborate on new software versions.

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Many people choose to use open-source software because it's easier for them to examine the source code, manipulate programs to suit their needs and alter pieces that don't work for them. Open-source software doesn't have pre-defined applications so users can apply the program to a variety of instances or for whatever purpose they choose. It's easy to find community members that want certain features as well, and you can collaborate and discuss how to improve the source code to use in certain circumstances.

Because anyone can use open source software, it's a great resource for people learning to become programmers. Programming students can study the code and learn how to design software of their own. It also makes it easier for them to share their work with others and receive feedback that can help them improve their skills. More experienced programmers can contribute to someone's work by pointing out bugs and helping to remedy errors so other students can learn from them.

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Some users consider open-source software to be less prone to errors than closed-source software. Because so many people are reviewing and contributing to the software, they may be more likely to catch others' mistakes or missing pieces. Proprietary software sometimes only has one author or a team of authors. With less support and fewer people reviewing the source code, closed-source programmers may miss things an open-source audience wouldn't.

Another reason some users prefer open-source software to proprietary software is that it's more secure. If they're working on long-term projects or revisiting an old project, they can be sure their tools stay functional and preserved. Because users often distribute their code publicly, their work won't disappear even if they stop working on it.

Developing programming and trouble-shooting skills for open source software programs can be valuable for employers. Some employers require their applicants to have experience working on open-source software. Some professions may use open-source software in their operations and others may request you possess the skills needed to work in specific programs. Learning about different software can help you bolster your resume and attract the attention of employers.

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If youre using any type of software for your work, its important to understand what open-source and closed-source software is and the main differences. The primary trait of each is who can use them. While open-source software has source code thats free to use by anyone, closed-source, or proprietary software, has source code thats only available to a specific team or organization. Here are other differences between open- and closed-source software:

Open-source software is available for free or at a low cost for licensing. The cost of closed-source software varies based on factors such as scale, users, features and length of use. To use closed-source software, you may be required to buy a license and agree to terms of use.

With open-source software, youre able to manipulate and adjust the source code to fit your specific needs. There may be some limitations based on the open-source license you have and the provider may require a professional, such as a developer, who can manipulate the code. You cant change closed-source software in-house. Instead, you can make requests to the proprietary owners to address issues such as bugs.

Unlike closed-source software, open-source often doesnt come with support teams to aid you or answer questions. Open-source users often require their expert team or rely on online forums to find answers. Closed-source software has support teams to address issues you may have with the software.

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Anyone can view the code for open-source software, which can increase its security because there are more people available to identify and correct issues within the code. Using closed-source software, you can't fix bugs yourself but you receive security in knowing that other users cant manipulate the code. While using either type, your information remains secure.

Typically, closed-source software is more user-friendly, but open-source software can be easier to use for certain tasks. The usability also depends on the proficiency of the user for either type of software. Since users pay for closed-source software, the owners prioritize optimizing the user experience.

Related: Customer Experience vs. User Experience: What's the Difference?

If your team has the expertise, you can create new features with open-source software. However, if you want updates or require new features with closed-source software, you must request these features from the proprietary owners. Being able to make upgrades and customize the software for your goals is a major benefit of using open-source software.

Open-source licenses allow users to use open-source software for whatever purpose they want. The licenses define the way users can employ, evaluate, change and release software. Some open-source licenses, called copyleft licenses, grant users free use with the stipulation that they have to share their source code alongside their version of the program. Other licenses prevent programmers from charging licensing fees on the program versions they create.

A common misconception about open-source software is that it's free. This isn't always true. Software programmers can charge for software they've created or altered. Many times, however, they choose to provide services and support at a cost rather than the software itself. This can help them generate revenue even if the open-source license requires them to release their source code when they sell the software. In these cases, they charge to help users install, use and troubleshoot the software.

Related: 5 Types of Software Licenses To Know

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article is affiliated with Indeed.

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What Is Open-Source Software? (Definition and Examples)