What is Open Source?
Open source software is software for which the source code is made available under copyright licence that meets the “Open Source Definition”. It is often developed in a collaborative manner and is then available to use free of charge.
Bazaar Model
Open source software is often developed using the Bazaar Model, which is defined by the following characteristics:
- Users should be treated as co-developers
- Early releases
- Frequent integration of new developments
- Multiple versions of the software at any one time
- Highly modular
- Dynamic decision making structure
Pros and Cons
The advantages and disadvantages of open source software are hotly debated in the computing community, below are some of the most common arguments.
Advantages
- Developer Loyalty
- Greater Market Penetration – as it is free to use
- Low Development Costs – many developers are volunteers
- Quicker Innovation
- Fast Development Process
- Thousands of programmers and testers making it more reliable
- Flexible – can be customised to individual needs
- Greater innovation – as there is a lack of commercial pressure
Disadvantages
- May be poorly specified
- Lack of high quality commercial support
- Open source code may allow hackers to discover weaknesses
- Market requirements may be ignored in favour of technical requirements
- Late defect discovery
Projects
The following are examples of popular open source projects:
© 2008 Software-Developer.co.uk
More Articles
