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Open Source vs. Closed Source Software

The document discusses open source vs closed source software, explaining that open source software makes its source code publicly available for anyone to view or modify while closed source keeps its code private, with the majority of popular apps being closed source though there are open source alternatives. The pros of open source include it usually being free and allowing for quick fixes, while cons can include less stability and harder to find support.

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sunil.muduli
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8 views

Open Source vs. Closed Source Software

The document discusses open source vs closed source software, explaining that open source software makes its source code publicly available for anyone to view or modify while closed source keeps its code private, with the majority of popular apps being closed source though there are open source alternatives. The pros of open source include it usually being free and allowing for quick fixes, while cons can include less stability and harder to find support.

Uploaded by

sunil.muduli
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Open source vs.

closed source
software
Almost every piece of computer software is created
using source code, which is the technical blueprint that tells a
program how to function. When creators release their finished
product to the public, they must decide whether to make its
code open source or closed source.

Watch the video below to learn more about open source and
closed source software.

What is open source and closed source?

With closed source software (also known as proprietary


software), the public is not given access to the source code, so
they can’t see or modify it in any way.
But with open source software, the source code is publicly
available to anyone who wants it, and programmers can read or
change that code if they desire. Keep in mind that you don’t
have to read or modify any code in order to use an open source
product.

Which type is more common?

The vast majority of apps, games, and other popular software is


closed source. However, there are open source options for
many types of programs. If you want an open source alternative
to Microsoft Office, you could use LibreOffice. Instead of using
Windows, you could try an open source Linux operating system.
Other common open source examples include the Firefox web
browser and WordPress blogging platform.
What are the pros and cons?

One of open source’s biggest advantages is that it’s usually


free, although some features and technical support may cost
extra. Also, because the code is available to anyone who wants
it, public collaboration can fix bugs, add features, and improve
performance within a relatively short amount of time.

However, open source software isn’t perfect. It may not be as


user friendly as closed source software, and if you run into
trouble it may be difficult to find technical support, especially
for less popular programs.

Closed source software is more likely to be a stable, focused


product, and if you need support customer service is typically
easier to access. However, closed source software often costs
money, and if it has any bugs or missing features you’ll have to
wait on the creator to address the problems.

Now that you understand the difference between open and


closed source software, you can take advantage of the type that
best meets your needs.

Continue

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