Define 'open-source software'.

Define 'open-source software'.

• A. Software that is always free to download
• B. Software whose source code is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute
• C. Software that cannot be altered or shared
• D. Software designed for a specific application only

Answer: (B)

Open-source software is defined as software whose source code is openly available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This characteristic empowers developers and users to collaborate, innovate, and improve upon existing software. By providing access to the source code, open-source software fosters community engagement and allows for transparency, as users can see how the software works and contribute to its development. In contrast, options that suggest open-source software is always free to download, cannot be altered or shared, or designed for specific applications only do not accurately capture the concept. While many open-source programs are indeed offered at no cost, the core principle is the openness and freedom of the source code, rather than the price point. Similarly, open-source software should allow for modification and sharing, which is a fundamental aspect that distinguishes it from proprietary software. Lastly, open-source software can serve a wide range of applications and is not limited to a specific use case, allowing for greater versatility and adaptability in various contexts.

Open-source software is defined as software whose source code is openly available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This characteristic empowers developers and users to collaborate, innovate, and improve upon existing software. By providing access to the source code, open-source software fosters community engagement and allows for transparency, as users can see how the software works and contribute to its development.

In contrast, options that suggest open-source software is always free to download, cannot be altered or shared, or designed for specific applications only do not accurately capture the concept. While many open-source programs are indeed offered at no cost, the core principle is the openness and freedom of the source code, rather than the price point. Similarly, open-source software should allow for modification and sharing, which is a fundamental aspect that distinguishes it from proprietary software. Lastly, open-source software can serve a wide range of applications and is not limited to a specific use case, allowing for greater versatility and adaptability in various contexts.