The source code is the part that highly differentiates a “proprietary” or “closed source” software from an open source software. The source code is the building block of any application or software. It is that series of code on which a single application is built upon. This is the code that can be programmed, manipulated or tweaked in order to create changes on the specifications of one software. On proprietary software, the source code is a top secret, only the licensed and legal creators know them. While for open source software, the code is for anyone to consume, should they want to create changes.
The rise of open source software has driven a lot of reaction from people all around the world, especially those who are always online. With open source software, creators of the source code enter into licensing agreements where they share to the public the contents of the code thus making it “open”. What is very advantageous with open source software is that it allows user to make changes to the source code to accommodate their own needs with the application. Most licenses with open source software allow users to change, view, delete, add, copy, incorporate and recreate codes customized in their own liking. This adaptability of the said software makes it very collaborative because some people may join together to develop a single software long-term.
Being available to the public, open source software is updated real-time. Even though it may be argued that hackers may leverage the fact that it could be a weakness for codes to be readily available to the public, it is still up for the user of the open source software to ensure security and still maintain control over his application.