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> Open source just means you have access to the source code. That's https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source-available_software https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sourc
by jefftk 2y ago
> Open source just means you have access to the source code.
That's https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source-available_software https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source-available_software , not 'open source'. The latter was specifically coined [1] as a way to talk about "free software" (with its freedom connotations) without the price connotations:
The argument was as follows: those new to the term "free software" assume it is referring to the price. Oldtimers must then launch into an explanation, usually given as follows: "We mean free as in freedom, not free as in beer." At this point, a discussion on software has turned into one about the price of an alcoholic beverage. The problem was not that explaining the meaning is impossible—the problem was that the name for an important idea should not be so confusing to newcomers. A clearer term was needed. No political issues were raised regarding the free software term; the issue was its lack of clarity to those new to the concept.
[1] https://opensource.com/article/18/2/coining-term-open-source-software https://opensource.com/article/18/2/coining-term-open-source...
- HDThoreaun 2y agoYou dont get to redefine what "open" means.
- sumeno 2y agoTell that to Sam Altman
- esafak 2y agoHe did not succeed, did he?
- jefftk 2y agoIt's common for terms to have a more specific meaning when combined with other terms. "Open source" has had a specific meaning now for decades, which goes beyond "you can see the source" to, among other things, "you're allowed to it without restriction".
- RobotToaster 2y agoSo Swedish meatballs are any ball of meat made in Sweden? And French fries are anything that was fried in France?
- dTal 2y agoI don't know why you've been downvoted. This is a 100% correct history. "Open source" was specifically coined as a synonym to "free software", and has always been used that way.