Open Source software

Last updated on Feb 18, 2026

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Definition: A type of computer software in which source code is released under a license that permits others to use, change, and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. Open source is more than openly accessible: the distribution terms of open-source software must comply with 10 specific criteria (see: https://opensource.org/osd).

Related terms: Github, Open Access, Open Code, Open Data, Open Licenses, Python, R, Repository

Reference:

Anon. (n.d.). Open Source in Open Science | FOSTER. Retrieved from https://www.fosteropenscience.eu/foster-taxonomy/open-source-open-science

Drafted and Reviewed by: Connor Keating, Jamie P. Cockcroft, Helena Hartmann, Charlotte R. Pennington, Andrew J. Stewart