Open source is a methodology in which the end-product,
source-material, blue-prints, documentation etc., are published and made
available to the public, enabling anyone to copy, modify and redistribute
without paying any fees.
Most of us think that open source means open source software
(at least, I used to think so). But it does not necessarily have to be only
software. Open source is used in many applications other than Computer software
such as Electronics, Medicine, Robotics, Fashion and even Beverages (Don’t
trust me? Check it out here.)
No one would want to use anything if it is no good. So, let
us see some of the advantages of Open Source.
·
The fact that the Open Source resources can be
downloaded and used at no cost is the primary advantage.
·
In terms of computer software since Open Source Software
is available to anyone, more developers can view the code and review the code
making the software more robust.
·
If you are an aspiring developer who wants to
develop a new product, you can just use any existing Open Source Software (Operating
System) suitable for your product and develop your applications on top of it
without having to worry about developing the Operating System.
As every coin has two sides, Open Source has its disadvantages
too. Since any one can develop and publish Open Source resources, today we have
a large repository of Open Source resources. But not many of them have proper
documentation and support needed by the users.
Ultimately, it is the decision of end-user whether or not to
use Open Source.
Hello Usha,
ReplyDeleteI didn’t realize that open source was used in many other ways other than computer software. I find the OpenCola link fascinating and wouldn’t believe it was real if you didn’t post the link. You did a good job explaining open source and I liked how you displayed its advantages with simple bullet points, which grabbed my attention right away when I looked at your post. I can’t find anything wrong with your post other than to include a picture. Keep up the good work.
Let me start of by saying "hi." I feel it should be a common courtesy to offer salutations to a person before commenting on their work. I like the way you have set up your blog and your post. It presents information that is useful, and is timeless in value. You have managed to bring up things I would not have thought to look at; to the subject you have done a good job relating them. It is good that you have put the amount of work you have put into this literature; and what you have produced. It has a lot of value. You have done a good job using sources that are highly credible and provide information that is useful and valid. All students should aspire to produce work that is as high quality as this is. I am glad I had not a chance, not a choice, but it was a mandatory read. I am also glad that this post that I am writing is not by chance, not by choice, but is mandatory; Giving me the pleasure to congratulate you on your accomplishment here.
ReplyDeleteHi Usha,
ReplyDeleteMy open source knowledge was limited to computer science related field. Before read your post, I was not familiar about open source of Medicine, Fashion and Beverages. And thank you for additional information link. It is very informative post. Your paragraph ideas are separated and it was easy to read. I liked how you display advantages of open source in bullet points and ended with mentioning open source disadvantages. Overall, it’s good summary about open source.
Hello Usha,
ReplyDeleteYour post is really great because it makes me wanna read more more about open source. You said that open source is not only for computer software as I used to think, its also for other fields such as medical, electronic, robot... Its a good point Your post also have some links to other websites which I haven't done for my blog. Overall, this is a very good post.