Open Source Definition
The Open Source Definition (OSD) is a document that outlines the criteria by which software can be considered Open Source Software. This definition was created to provide a clear and standardized understanding of what "open source" means, distinguishing it from other software licensing models.
History
- The term "open source" was coined in 1998 by Christine Peterson during a strategy session at Netscape to describe a different approach to software development and distribution.
- In February 1998, following Netscape's decision to release the source code for its Mozilla browser, the Open Source Initiative (OSI) was founded to promote and protect open source software.
- The OSI formalized the Open Source Definition based on the Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG) which were written by Bruce Perens in 1997.
Key Points of the Open Source Definition
The OSD includes the following key criteria for software to be considered open source:
- Free Redistribution: The license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources.
- Source Code: The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in source code as well as compiled form. Where some form of a product is not distributed with source code, there must be a well-publicized means of obtaining the source code for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost, preferably downloading via the Internet without charge.
- Derived Works: The license must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow them to be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original software.
- Integrity of The Author's Source Code: The license may restrict source-code from being distributed in modified form only if the license allows the distribution of "patch files" with the source code for the purpose of modifying the program at build time.
- No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups: The license must not discriminate against any person or group of persons.
- No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor: The license must not restrict anyone from making use of the program in a specific field of endeavor. For example, it may not restrict the program from being used in a business, or from being used for genetic research.
- Distribution of License: The rights attached to the program must apply to all to whom the program is redistributed without the need for execution of an additional license by those parties.
- License Must Not Be Specific to a Product: The rights attached to the program must not depend on the program being part of a particular software distribution.
- License Must Not Restrict Other Software: The license must not place restrictions on other software that is distributed along with the licensed software.
- License Must Be Technology-Neutral: No provision of the license may be predicated on any individual technology or style of interface.
Impact and Importance
The Open Source Definition has been instrumental in:
- Providing clarity and consistency to what constitutes open source software, aiding businesses, developers, and users in understanding their rights and obligations.
- Encouraging the adoption of open source practices in software development, leading to collaborative development models and innovation.
- Influencing other open standards and open content movements.
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