Open Source Explained

Summary

This video explains the concept of open source software, highlighting its significance beyond being free. It delves into the history of open source, from early private software projects to the rise of Linux and Red Hat's commercial strategies. The video explores key roles in open source communities, including contributors and committers, and the importance of collaboration platforms like GitHub. It also covers the impact of open source licenses, such as the GPL, and how successful projects like Kubernetes thrive through community-driven development. Finally, it encourages viewers to get involved by contributing to open source projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Open source software is not just 'free' software—it's about freedom for both users and developers to modify, distribute, and improve the code.
• 📅 The concept of open source began gaining traction in the early 1980s and gained significant momentum in the 1990s with Linux.
• 🛠️ Open source projects typically use repositories (like GitHub) where developers can share code, report bugs, and suggest improvements.
• 🔄 Contributors create changes in their own copy of the code and propose them for review via a pull request. Committers are responsible for evaluating and merging those changes.
• 👥 Anyone can be a contributor, but becoming a committer requires proven quality and regular contributions to the project.
• 💼 Many commercial companies, like Red Hat, contribute to open source because it allows them to improve their products while benefiting from the open source community.
• ⚖️ Open source projects often operate under specific licenses, like the GPL, which guarantees freedoms such as running, studying, sharing, and modifying the software.
• 🏢 Larger open source projects are often managed by foundations (e.g., Linux Foundation, Apache Foundation) to ensure stability and growth.
• 🔄 The success of an open source project is driven by a vibrant community of users, contributors, committers, and foundation members who work together to improve the codebase.
• 📝 To join the open source community, one can start by reporting bugs, and then gradually contribute bug fixes and improvements, eventually working toward becoming a committer.
• 🌍 The open source model encourages collaboration on a global scale, benefiting everyone from hobbyists to large enterprises.

Q & A

What does 'open source' software really mean?

Open source software is not just free software; it refers to software that can be freely used, modified, and shared. The core concept is freedom for both users and developers to improve and adapt the software.

Is open source software always free of cost?

Yes, open source software is typically distributed at no cost. However, the main value lies in the freedom to modify and distribute the software, rather than just its price.

How did open source software start?

Open source began in the early 1980s when developers started to explore alternatives to proprietary software. The real surge in open source adoption occurred in the 1990s, especially with the development of Linux.

What role did Red Hat play in the open source movement?

Red Hat contributed to the open source movement by releasing CentOS, a free counterpart to its commercial Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). By doing this, Red Hat leveraged community contributions to improve its software while providing a free, high-quality alternative.

What is a repository in open source development?

A repository (or 'repo') is a platform where the source code of an open source project is stored and managed. It allows developers to access the code, track issues, and propose improvements.

What is a pull request in open source development?

A pull request is a way for contributors to propose changes to the main codebase. It is reviewed by committers who decide whether to accept the changes and merge them into the official project.

What is the difference between a contributor and a committer?

A contributor is anyone who submits changes or improvements to an open source project, whereas a committer is a trusted member with the authority to review and merge these changes into the main codebase.

Why do open source projects often have foundations?

Foundations help manage and organize large open source projects, ensuring their sustainability and governance. They provide a formal structure, especially when commercial interests are involved, to guide the direction of the project.

What is the GPL, and what freedoms does it guarantee?

The General Public License (GPL) is a common open source license that ensures four key freedoms: the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software, including for commercial purposes.

How can someone become involved in an open source project?

You can start by reporting bugs or contributing small fixes. As you gain experience, you can submit pull requests, and if your contributions are accepted, you may eventually become a committer with a greater influence on the project.