Open Source Concept

Open Source is a set of principles and practices on how to write and manage software. Literally "open source" means the source code is available to the users. This doesn't mean that it's free, as in free lunch, but it's available to view and use for any user or buyer of the software.

The Open Source Definition, which was created by Bruce Perens and Eric Raymond and is currently maintained by the Open Source Initiative, adds additional meaning to the term. One should not only get the source code but also have the right to use it. If the latter is denied the license is categorized as a shared source license.