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Difference Between Open Source and Closed Source Software
A software application can be called as open source or closed source depending on the availability of the source code. In this article, we will discuss the difference between open source and closed source software applications.
What is an Open Source Software?
Open source software is a computer application whose source code is available to the general public. The code is available over the internet and other users familiar with the programming language used can modify the code. Open source software applications are available at a low price and many of them are available for free.
What is a Closed Source Software?
Closed source software is a software application in which the source code is not available to the public. The changes in the code can be made by the individual who has made the software. The code can also be modified by the organization who is the owner of the code. Such types of codes have a high cost. Users have to purchase a license to use the software.
Difference between Open Source and Closed Source Software
The table below shows the difference between open source and closed source software.
| Open Source Software | Closed Source Software |
|---|---|
| Open source software is a software application in which the source code is available to the public to make changes. | Closed source software is a software application whose code is not available to the public. It is available to the individual or the organization who wrote the code. |
| Open source software applications are compatible with all types of computers and can be installed anywhere. | A license has to be purchased before the installation of a closed source software application. |
| Any user or organization can modify the code. | Only the developer or the organization can modify the code. |
| The source code of an open source software is available to the public. | The source code is protected and is available to the developer or the organization, |
| If any bug or error occurs in an open source software application, no one can be blamed. | If anything happens in a closed source software, the vendor is held responsible for it. |
| The cost of open source software is very low. | The cost of closed source software is high. |
| A software application can be improved by any user and they will get recognition if the improvement in a software application is accepted. | Organizations have to hire software developers to improve the existing code. |
| Users can modify the code and use the application without any restrictions. | Users have to face a lot of restrictions while using closed source software. |
| High competition is between the programmers to get recognition. | No competition is there between developers to get recognition. |
| A large number of programmers work on a project if it is very popular. | A limited number of programmers work to improve the software. |
| Open source software can be purchased with its source code. | Source code is not included when a closed source software is purchased. |
| There are chances that an open source software application can fail. | Chances of failure of a closed source software application are not possible. |
Which is Best: Open Source Software or Closed Source Software?
Open source software applications and closed source software applications have their own advantages and disadvantages. In the case of open source software, any user can make changes in the code and nobody is held responsible if the code fails. The open source software applications are available at a low price.
In the case of closed source software applications, users have to purchase a license to use it but the source code is not given. If any error or failure occurs in the application, the vendor is held responsible.
Conclusion
There are many open source and closed source software applications available in the market. Open source applications are either available for free or they can be purchased at a low price. Users also have the option of making changes to the source code.
Closed source software applications are available at a high price and users have to purchase a license for each of them. The source code is available with the vendor.
FAQs on Open Source Software Vs. Closed Source Software
1. What are the advantages of an open source software application?
The advantages of an open source software application are as follows ?
- It is available at a low cost
- A large number of programmers are available to modify the code
- No copyright issues are there so the code can be modified by anybody
2. When was the open source software launched?
Open source was launched in 1983 by Richard Stallman. He had a belief that the source code should be available to all users so that they could make changes and add new features to a software application.
3. Are there any errors or bugs in open source software applications?
There are chances that open source software applications may have bugs as the code can be modified by inexperienced developers. Performance and security flaws may also occur.
4. For which type of software applications do users have to purchase a license?
Users have to purchase a license for closed source software applications. These licenses are available for a high price and need to be renewed.
5. Is closed source software application secure?
Yes! Closed source software applications are secure as the code cannot be modified by any user except vendors or organizations.
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