Open source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance.
Unlike proprietary software, open source software is computer software that is developed as a public, open collaboration and made freely available to the public.
How does OSS work?
Open source code is usually stored in a public repository and shared publicly. Anyone can access the repository to use the code independently or contribute improvements to the design and functionality of the overall project.
Some examples of OSS are GNU/Linux, Mozilla Firefox, Apache web server, jQuery, WordPress etc.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of open source software?
Advantages:
Open source software is free.
Open source is flexible and stable. The source code is publicly distributed.
Open source comes with a built-in community that continuously modifies and improves the source code.
Open source provides great learning opportunities for new programmers.
Disadvantages:
Open source can pose compatibility issues.
Open source software can pose liability issues. Unlike commercial software, which is fully controlled by the vendor, open source rarely contains any warranty