What does 'open source software' mean?

Open source software refers to software that is made available with its source code, which means that anyone can view, modify, and distribute the software as they see fit. This approach encourages collaboration and innovation within the software development community. Users have the freedom to adapt the software to their needs, fix bugs, and contribute improvements, fostering a sense of community among developers and users alike.

The essence of open source is rooted in its accessibility and the collaborative principles that guide its development. By allowing users to modify the source code, it creates an environment where software can evolve rapidly and be tailored to specific requirements, benefiting a wider audience. This distinction sets it apart from proprietary software, where access to source code is restricted and usually requires payment for usage.

The other options highlight characteristics that do not align with the concept of open source software. For instance, software that requires licensing fees does not qualify as open source, as it typically means that users cannot access or modify the source code freely. Similarly, software limited to commercial use or specific operating systems does not exemplify the main tenet of open source, which is about broad access and freedom to use across various platforms and contexts.