Technology
What is Open-source software?
Open-source software is software whose source code is published openly, so anyone can read it, use it, improve it, and share it — usually for free. Huge parts of the internet, phones, and apps run on open-source projects built by global communities.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains open-source software.
Key things to understand
- 1The source code is public for anyone to see.
- 2Free to use, modify, and share.
- 3Built and improved by global communities.
- 4Powers much of the internet and modern apps.
Frequently asked questions
- Is open-source software free?
- Almost always free to use; some projects sell support, hosting, or premium add-ons around the free core.
- Is open-source software safe?
- Often very safe — open code means many people can spot and fix bugs — but stick to well-maintained, popular projects.
- What are examples of open-source software?
- Linux, Firefox, VLC, WordPress, and Python are all widely used open-source projects.