The Open Source Philosophy
Open Source is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. It's built on transparency and collaboration.
For the World
Software like Linux, Python, and React powers the modern world. It's free for everyone to use and improve.
By the Community
"Given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow." Thousands of developers working together create better software than any single company.
Giants of Open Source
Linux
Runs the internet & Android
React
Built by Meta, used by all
VS Code
The editor we use
Python
AI & Data Science
Success Story: React
In 2011, Facebook (now Meta) had a problem: their ads interface was too complex to manage. Engineer Jordan Walke created a prototype called "FaxJS" to solve it.
They open-sourced it as React in 2013. At first, the community hated it because it mixed HTML with JavaScript (JSX).
The Turning Point
Instead of giving up, the team engaged with the community, improved the tools, and proved its value. Today, React is the #1 web framework in the world, powering millions of sites including Netflix, Airbnb, and Instagram.
// 2013: "This looks weird"
const element = <h1>Hello</h1>;
// 2024: "Standard Standard"
export default function App() {
return <h1>Hello World</h1>;
}
Pioneers of Open Source
Linus Torvalds
Creator of Linux & Git
"Talk is cheap. Show me the code." Created the OS that runs the internet and the tool we use to manage code.
Richard Stallman
Founder of GNU & FSF
Started the Free Software movement. Created the GPL license which ensures code remains free forever.
Guido van Rossum
Creator of Python
"Benevolent Dictator For Life." Built a language for everyone, now powering the AI revolution.
Understanding Licenses
Just because code is public doesn't mean you can do anything with it. Licenses define the rules.
MIT / Apache (Permissive)
Do whatever you want (use, modify, sell), just give credit to the original author.
Examples: React, Node.js, Bootstrap
GPL (Copyleft)
If you use this code in your project, your project MUST also be open source under the same license.
Examples: Linux, WordPress, VLC