Company
Date Published
Author
Benjamin Haynes
Word count
868
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Free and open source software (FOSS) is characterized by the availability of source code to the public for use and modification, with its meaning often clarified by distinguishing between "libre" (free as in freedom) and "gratis" (free as in no cost). Open source licenses are generally categorized into permissive, like MIT and Apache 2.0, which impose few restrictions, and copyleft, like GPL v2 or v3, which require derivative works to remain open source. Approximately two-thirds of open source projects use permissive or copyleft licenses, with notable examples including WordPress and Directus, both under GPL. The GPL license supports community collaboration by allowing contributors to propose changes through platforms like GitHub while maintaining the integrity of the original codebase. However, some vendors employ dual licensing that combines permissive licenses with more restrictive terms, limiting certain functionalities unless a commercial license is purchased. Directus, for instance, allows proprietary extensions while its main code remains open source. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that authoritative releases remain accessible, highlighting the balance between openness and proprietary development.