Definition: Commonly applied to the programming source code for software, open source is a method of development and distribution of goods or content. Open source code can be freely used, edited, and incorporated into other programs as long as the changed code is also freely released. Proprietary software commonly used in desktop publishing, such as programs from Adobe, Quark, and Microsoft, require a purchase of a license and come with restrictions on their use. Open source software programs are often distributed for free or at a low cost and have no restrictions on their use and no complex end-user licensing.
Alternate Spellings: open-source
Examples:
OpenOffice is completely free, open source alternative to Microsoft Office.
