What is open source?

After the announcement made by Netscape in early February 1998, I was wondering what to do next-over the years of efforts to promote "Free Software, now I have finally achieved mainstream adoption by American companies, but I also realized that "Free Software" itself has serious problems.

Specifically, there is a problem with the term "Free Software". Although its concept is correct, I feel that this term cannot be used any more ·

This term reflects two problems: first, its meaning is unknown; the meaning of "free" is very ambiguous (Free Software Foundation has always needed to explain this) · does "free" mean "no charge", "Anyone can modify it freely", or does it have other meanings?

Secondly, this term is disturbing many companies. Although I personally have nothing to do with this term, we should try to change the ideas of these companies in reality, don't abandon them, turn around, because this is only for us-we can get real profits from here, we do not need to give up our ideals and our pursuit of superior technologies-Now is the time for us to relocate. We need a new and more appropriate term ·

After I held a meeting with Netscape (February 5), I got together with some Linux systems in Silicon Valley, so I tried my best to come up with various ideas. We thought of some terms, but we thought it was inappropriate, finally, we found an alternative name that we all like: "Open Source" [suggestion from Mr. thhsieh-Translator's note].

John Hall and Larry Augustin, two directors of the international Linux board, were also present at the time (however, interestingly, the name of "open source" was represented as an observer [4]

Foresight Institute Chris Peterson's suggestion) · Linus Torvalds I agree on the next day? Nbsp; term. In addition, this is not just about Linux. Keith Bostic prefers this term and thinks that BSD users around the world can accept it too.

We recommend that people around the world who have previously discussed "Free Software" change it to "Open Source". This includes: Open Source Software, open source code mode and open source code culture (I will always refer to the "mutual discussion" method when selling this concept to American companies)

Bruce perens has voluntarily registered "Open Source" as a trademark and owns this trademark through software in the public interest-RMS himself, bruce uses this term as long as the definition of the open source code written by Bruce is no less than that of Debian Free Software (Debian Free softwareguidelines)

At this point, we should publicly explain the reasons for changing the term. Linus once said in "World 101" that people who advocate open source code must try their best to dominate the computer world, and let the company participate in its affairs. Of course, his argument is true-this change-Linus also believes-is only part of this process. This shows that we are willing to cooperate with the market, and enable the market to cater to our goals, without continuing to be deadlocked in an insignificant and hostile position.

Hey, everybody, now is a critical moment. The announcement of Netscape has changed everything. We have been under siege for 20 years. Now we are a brand new game. The scene is even bigger, more interesting-I think we will win ·

Author: Eric S. Raymond
Translator: Zhao pingwang