Open source

Open source refers to software whose source code is published openly under a license that lets you view, use, modify and redistribute it. Unlike proprietary software, whose code is secret, the open model bets on transparency and collaboration: anyone can inspect how the program works, fix bugs or adapt it to their needs, and many projects are built by a community. Well-known examples are the Linux operating system, the WordPress ✕ WordPress is the world's most-used content management system, letting you build and manage websites and blogs without coding skills. More in the glossary → content manager and the Firefox browser ✕ A browser is the program you use to open websites and surf the internet — such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. More in the glossary → . Its advantages are no license cost, security that many eyes can review, and not being locked into a single vendor. In return, it sometimes takes more technical know-how, and support depends on the community or on companies that offer it separately.