What is Open Source

What is an Open Source?

Open-source software gives users the freedom of sharing codes, modifying it , and redistributing them etc. Most open-source software is available for free (this may not always be the case) hence commonly called as Free and Open Source Software that is FOSS. Some Open source software are free and some are not, both types of softwares are available according to people's, groups or companies need. Open-source softwares is usually for - Windows, Linux, Firefox, Android, Wordpress, and Node JS are the few examples. Like big multinational companies use open-source software. Well, assuming that the creator decided against open-sourcing it, imagine if you had to buy or rent a programming language to learn how to code, lil bit scary right? So for those people who prefer open-source softwares over other proprietary softwares for several reasons. So it provides control, stability, and security to the users. Linux is by far less likely to get any kind of software virus or any other issues as compared to Windows OS, which isn’t open source. Linux is still managed by its creator, There are several contributors from all over the world improvising it every single day. If you are using open source softwares and tools and become habitual using the same, there is no coming back as experience with open source is at another 
level they are always willing to guide, support, and help us. Its community is as strong as its functions.

Open-source software can be created in a collaborative, public manner.  Open-source software is a prominent example of open collabrations meaning any capable user is able to participate online in development, making the number of possible contributors indefinite. The ability to examine the code facilitates public trust in the software.There are also so many open source programmes takes place like MLH Major League Hacking ,Google Summer of Code (GSoC), Digital Ocean Hacktoberfest where anyone can participate to showcase their skills and through that you can improvise your skills ,gain knowledge and talents . You also got a chance to win prizes. You do not have to be an expert in the technologies used in the projects. There may be a learning curve involved everywhere, however, you must have the will to learn and give it your best thats all .

 Advantages and disadvantages

Open-source software is typically easier to access than proprietary software, resulting in increasing usage. Additionally, the availability of an open-source implementation of a standard can increase adoption of that standard. It has also helped to build developer loyalty as developers feel empowered and have a sense of ownership of the end product.Moreover, lower costs of marketing and logistical services are needed for OSS. It is a good tool to promote a company's image, including its commercial products. The OSS development approach has helped produce reliable, high quality software quickly and inexpensively.Open-source development offers the potential to quicker innovation and the creation of innovation and social value. In France, for example, a policy that rewarded government to favour free open-source software increased to approximately 600,000 OSS contributions each year, creating social value by boosting the quantity and quality of open-source software. This policy also led to an estimated increase of up to 18% of tech startups and  a 14% increase in the number of people employed in the IT sector.