Everything Everywhere Daily
Open Source Software
Apr 5, 2025
Delve into the fascinating world of open source software, where freedom and collaboration reign. Discover the evolution of software from its early days to the rise of open source in the 1990s. Learn the crucial difference between 'free as in freedom' versus 'free as in no cost'. Uncover how platforms like WordPress and Wikipedia thrive on open source principles. This exploration illuminates the vital role open source plays in powering today's technology landscape and fostering innovation.
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Quick takeaways
- The evolution from collaborative software sharing to proprietary models in the tech industry illustrates a significant shift in software development practices.
- Open source software, exemplified by Linux and popular browsers, highlights the importance of collaboration and transparency in driving innovation today.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Software
Software has become an integral part of modern life, extending beyond computers to various devices like televisions and refrigerators. In the early days, software was seen more as a set of instructions rather than a commercial product, as seen with the ENAC computer, which required complex physical setups to run programs. Initially, collaboration and sharing among a small community of researchers characterized the software culture, leading to groups like SHARE, which promoted the exchange of information and resources. However, as the hardware market grew, a shift began toward more proprietary software models, altering the approach to software development.
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