Open source
Software whose source code is open for anyone to inspect, use, modify and distribute in line with its licence terms.
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Why it matters
Most modern software is built on open-source components, which speeds up development and lowers cost. In return, each component's licence, whether it is still maintained and its known vulnerabilities must be tracked. Being free does not mean there is no responsibility.
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Example
A team automatically generates a list of the open-source libraries used in its product. When a critical flaw is announced in a library, the affected projects are identified and updated within minutes.
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Common mistake
Using components without reading their licence terms. Some licences can require the product's own source code to be shared as well.
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Related terms
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