---
title: "What is open source software?"  
description: "What is open source software?"  
author: "Jonas Stuart"  
published: 2017-11-13  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/30419/what-is-open-source-software  
category: "q&a categories"  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# What is open source software?

What is [open source](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/337437/how-to-leverage-open-source-for-innovative-project-development) software?\

## Answers

### Answer by Hitesh Vohra

- **Open [source](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/840/what-happens-if-the-both-source-and-destination-are-named-same) software** is software that has the source code available for anyone to examine, edit, and improve.
- Most computer users never view 'source code,' which is the code that computer programmers can edit to change how a piece of software—a 'programme' or 'application'—works. Programmers who have access to the source code of a computer software can enhance it by adding new features or fixing areas that don't always work correctly.
- Open source software, on the other hand, is unique. Its creators make the source code open to anyone who wants to look at, copy, learn from, change, or distribute it. Open source software includes programmes like LibreOffice and the GNU Image Manipulation Program.

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## Read More: [What is 'gimp' software?](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/30423/what-is-gimp-software)

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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/30419/what-is-open-source-software

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