The world of open source can be one that causes a strew of questions. I know for me I know a few preconceptions come to mind like: free, easy to use, and easy access. As I learn and began studying what exactly open source is I discovered I am not to far off based on context.
Developing my skills as a front end web developer there are many facets that any developer has to finagle through. From concepts, to syntax, and terms that you have to be not only aware of but how does that affect you as a developer.
Open source is one of those terms and as I listen to podcasts and read various blog articles on the topic I see it a recurring thing and should be a thing front end developers should look into and be apart of.
But what exactly is it and how does it work. Ultimately as a developer especially if your trying to learn and stay on top of skills open source is a great source, lol pun intended, to glean from.
What Is Open Source?
Before even getting into open source software or projects, unless your just that type of person and like to dive head into the pool go ahead. I think you should know what open source is.
Open source can be defined as a computer’s program source code that is available for the public or anyone to view, use, edit, or add to that source.
Seriously, a software code is open access for anyone to see and use. I know for some that sounds really crazy to have your software open for anyone to have access to. In fact opponents to the whole open source model disagree with this method and claims that it leaves your software vulnerable.
However, those who have burned the trails before us have found there are more benefits that outweigh the thought of hackers.
Note: did you know that the internet was first built on open source networks!
The How.
I bet your wondering like myself how does this approach aid more than hurt. What I think especially in the times we are living in people are looking to learn from each other and are more transparent into “the how” things are done. Why not in software?
In fact developers are always leaning and learning from each other and one of the things open source provides is the idea that other developers and programmers can contribute to the source code and any fixes or solutions they find that can help to improve the the software. This it not only helps them but everyone and anyone who uses the software.
It’s actually bravado in a sense. It promotes a sense of sharing and collaboration. Quite different then in a world that strives for the betterment of yourself and only you. This model says here is what I did and this can help you or if you see any way of improvement do not be afraid to share it.
It’s quite encouraging if you ask me.
So if there is an open source, is there a closed source?
Good question. Yes there is, it is called, you ready for it…Closed source
lol
Another way to say that is “propriety source” which basically means only the author or organization has access to the code and most likely there is a fee for access to it, if they allow.
The Benefits
So I mention some of the advantages or benefits that open source software creates for many. I think speaking from the perspective of a front end web developer open source gives many the opportunity to contribute to a program. Not only does this benefit the program, your contributions to a program can help to market yourself as a developer in the community. It shows that you are capable of finding solutions to a problem or bug.
For individuals new to the game of web development or software it gives plenty of opportunity to glean from other developers and gain an insight how they approached to build their software. GitHub is an open source community that allows other developers to view other coders source code and see how they approached a project as well as share their knowledge.
WordPress is an actually open source software that allows many to gain access to a CMS (content management system) in order to create websites without the use of knowing technology.
The web truly stands for what it means when you begin to see how the interconnecting of how each component comes together to create one vast software.