Only the original authors of proprietary software can legally copy, inspect, and alter that software. People call this kind of software 'proprietary' or 'closed source' software. Some software has source code that only the person, team, or organization who created it-and maintains exclusive control over it-can modify. Free online course: RHEL technical overview.What's the difference between open source software and other types of software? Programmers who have access to a computer program's source code can improve that program by adding features to it or fixing parts that don't always work correctly. 'Source code' is the part of software that most computer users don't ever see it's the code computer programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software-a 'program' or 'application'-works. Open source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. Today, however, 'open source' designates a broader set of values-what we call ' the open source way.' Open source projects, products, or initiatives embrace and celebrate principles of open exchange, collaborative participation, rapid prototyping, transparency, meritocracy, and community-oriented development.

The term originated in the context of software development to designate a specific approach to creating computer programs. The term open source refers to something people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible.

Open source mobile app builder software