Open-source refers to a type of software whose source code is available publicly, allowing anyone to view and modify it. This means that the underlying code for an open-source program can be freely accessed, used, modified, and shared by anyone, rather than being kept secret or restricted as in proprietary software.
The concept behind open-source is based on the idea of collaboration and community development, where many people contribute to improving the product through their expertise and ideas. This results in a more robust, secure, and reliable program that can be continuously improved upon by its users.
Open-source also promotes transparency and accountability since anyone can view how the software is built and what it does. It encourages innovation and creativity as people are free to build on existing code or create new programs based on open-source technologies, leading to a thriving ecosystem of interconnected tools and applications.
Overall, "open source" refers to a movement towards more accessible, collaborative, and community-driven development in the digital world.