The Open Source Definition
This section contains the full text of the Open Source Definition we described earlier in this chapter. You will find the text, with any updates, at:
| http://www.opensource.org/docs/definition_plain.html |
On the Web, you may encounter other examples of “open source” licenses, particularly in situations where corporations are distributing the source code for their applications (while still retaining strict proprietary control over it). You will generally recognize these situations because at some point you’ll be asked to accept some kind of disclaimer before they allow you to continue a download. Just remember that the definition found at http://www.opensource.org/osd.html is the one “true” definition with which any other license provisions must comply. Accept no substitute—especially if you’re thinking of helping to develop an open source project of your own.
Here is the text of the Open Source Definition, in italics, with an explanation following each section:
Free Redistribution
The license may not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources. The license may not require a royalty or other fee for such sale.
You can make as many copies of a program as you like to keep, sell, or give away. You don’t have to pay anyone for this privilege.
Source Code
The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in source code as well ...