What is Open Source Software

Open Source Software is

• Software licensed with a copyright license compliant with the Open Source Definition (OSD)
• Software is distributed with its source code in a human readable format
• Software is developed in an open and collaborative way by groups of developers

Open Source Definition:

•  The Open Source Definition (OSD) is upheld by 
  the entire open source community.

It requires

•  Free re-distribution of software
•  Availability of source code with software
•  Derived works allowed

Integrity of author's source code be maintained

• No discrimination against persons or groups
• No discrimination against fields of endeavor

The OSD further requires

• Distribution of license
• License must not be specific to product
• License must not restrict other software
• License must be technology-neutral
• Full details can be found at http://opensource.org/docs/osd

What is Open Source Software