Evolution of Free and Open Source Software(FOSS) Systems
We use software worldwide for everything from daily activities to industrial applications, and its usage is rapidly increasing. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) plays an important role in this growth. By using FOSS, the world is advancing with powerful technology. Let’s explore FOSS and their history and see how they benefit users and onion model of FOSS development in this article.
Meaning of Free and Open source software
When we consider the terms Free and Open Source separately, they have distinct meanings. “Free” means that the software can be used without any charge or cost. However, this does not necessarily mean that users can change, modify, or update it. On the other hand, “Open Source” means that the software’s source code is available to everyone. It can be modified, reproduced, and distributed by anyone who has the authority to do so. Therefore, Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) refers to software that can be used, studied, modified, and distributed freely by anyone.
History of Free and Open Source Software(FOSS)
The history of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) began in the 1950s and 1960s when software was freely shared and included with hardware purchases. Early computing communities, particularly in universities, fostered a culture of collaboration and open sharing of modifications. Over time, software production costs rose, leading to restrictive licenses and proprietary software. The shift away from freely shared code prompted Richard Stallman to launch the GNU Project in 1983, aiming to create a completely free operating system. This led to the establishment of the Free Software Foundation and the creation of the GNU General Public License to ensure software remained free and open.
GNU Project
The GNU Project, launched by Richard Stallman in 1983, aimed to develop a free and open-source operating system called “GNU.” It sought to provide software that users could freely use, modify, and distribute. By incorporating the Linux kernel in 1992, the GNU system became fully functional. This initiative introduced the GNU General Public License (GPL), ensuring software freedom and influencing the growth of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
FOSS Benefits
- Community Support :- FOSS benefits from a large volunteer community that helps with questions and troubleshooting via online forums and mailing lists.
- Cost:- Unlike proprietary software, FOSS generally has no licensing fees, allowing unlimited copies for multiple users or machines.
- Security:- FOSS is often more secure because its source code is open for scrutiny, allowing quick identification and fixing of bugs and security issues.
- Education and Research:- FOSS is ideal for educational and research purposes due to low cost, accessibility of source code for inspection and modification, and freedom to share derivative works.
- FOSS Licenses:- Popular FOSS licenses include the GNU General Public License (GPL), FreeBSD License, Mozilla Public License, Apache License, and MIT License, offering flexibility for combining with proprietary software and ensuring compliance with free software principles.
Onion Model of FOSS development
The onion model of FOSS development structure describes how participants engage with a software project, resembling layers of an onion:
- Project Leader:- At the core is the project leader, often the most active developer who drives the project’s vision and direction.
- Core Members:- These are experienced contributors who coordinate the project, contributing significant code and guiding its development.
- Active Developers:- Regularly involved in adding new features and fixing bugs, actively shaping the software’s evolution.
- Peripheral Developers:- Contribute occasionally, supporting the project intermittently.
- Bug Fixers and Bug Reporters:- Engaged primarily in identifying and fixing software issues, crucial for maintaining software quality.
- Readers:- Actively use the software, understand its workings, but do not contribute directly to development.
- Passive Users:- The largest group, they use the software without active participation but may transition into other roles based on their engagement over time.
These roles are dynamic; a passive user can become a reader or even a bug fixer, demonstrating the fluidity and evolution within FOSS communities. Overall, the onion model demonstrates how diverse roles within a FOSS community collaborate, share knowledge, and collectively contribute to the ongoing development and success of open-source software projects.
Characteristic of FOSS system
- Modular Design:- FOSS uses modular software architecture, dividing systems into components that enhance abstraction and allow concurrent development.
- Reusability:- FOSS encourages reusing code across projects, promoting efficiency and innovation through shared resources.
- Distribution and Licensing:- FOSS is distributed via the internet through various platforms and benefits from a range of licenses like GPL, LGPL, BSD, and others.
Some popular examples of Free and Open source Software
- Linux
- Git
- Mozilla Firefox
- Apache HTTP Server
- LibreOffice
- Python
- WordPress
In the conclusion, I like to end with that Free and Open source systems are used to enables collaborative software development, promoting transparency, innovation, and inclusivity, fostering a community-driven digital ecosystem for accessible and secure technology solutions.
