Glossary · Source control and deployment
Open-source software
Software whose source is available under a license permitting specified forms of use, inspection, modification, and redistribution.
Also called: open source software, open-source
Definition
Open-source software is distributed under a license that grants defined rights beyond simply viewing the source. Each license has conditions that apply to use, modification, notices, source distribution, or derivative work.
Why it matters
The license, dependency record, maintenance state, and deployment path determine how safely a business can adopt and operate open-source software.
Common misunderstanding
Public source, free price, and open-source licensing are different claims, and open source does not mean unsupported or free of obligations.
Related terms
Related system family: Hosting & Release
Sources
- The Open Source Definition (opens in a new tab) · Open Source Initiative
Last reviewed July 16, 2026