Open-source software

Open-source software (OSS) is <a href="/facts/Software/RP79lVSW">computer software</a> that is released under a <a href="/facts/Open-source_license/FlFTwHmd">license</a> in which the <a href="/facts/Copyright/7GHEWEx9">copyright</a> holder grants users the rights to use, study, change, and <a href="/facts/Software_distribution/Q0Qh8qYj">distribute the software</a> and its <a href="/facts/Source_code/o9J6Jv23">source code</a> to anyone and for any purpose. Open-source software may be developed in a collaborative, public manner. Open-source software is a prominent example of <a href="/facts/Open_collaboration/VE0Lk03C">open collaboration</a>, meaning any capable user is able to <a href="/facts/Online_collaboration/f5XlsBvr">participate online</a> in development, making the number of possible contributors indefinite. The ability to examine the code facilitates public trust in the software.
<a href="/facts/Open-source_software_development/tAMqzWxB">Open-source software development</a> can bring in diverse perspectives beyond those of a single company. A 2024 estimate of the value of open-source software to firms is $8.8 trillion, as firms would need to spend 3.5 times the amount they currently do without the use of open source software.
Open-source code can be used for <a href="/facts/Studying/Nj6snGyN">studying</a> and allows capable end users to adapt software to their personal needs in a similar way <a href="/facts/User_scripts/twwvK5Pm">user scripts</a> and custom <a href="/facts/Style_sheet_(web_development)/6vHquHxG">style sheets</a> allow for web sites, and eventually publish the modification as a <a href="/facts/Fork_(software_development)/D6khxhpr">fork</a> for users with similar preferences, and directly submit possible improvements as <a href="/facts/Pull_request/PDAlqzRE">pull requests</a>.

Open-source software open-in-new

Open-source software