Alternative to Open Source
Open source code is a kind of free, yet protected, source code. While code released under an open source license is freely accessible to anyone, the developer still retains certain rights. The alternative to open source code is closed source.
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Protections
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When a programmer releases his source code under an open source license, he still retains ownership of the code. While other programmers can review, download and modify the source code as they please, they cannot claim it as their own. If other programmers use the code, they must credit the original programmer.
Advantages
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Proponents of open source code claim that it is more secure, since more programmers have the opportunity to review and troubleshoot the code. It is also freely obtainable, which eliminates the initial costs of acquiring software.
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Closed Source
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The alternative to open source is closed source code or proprietary code. The owner of proprietary code can choose to not release the source code and charge whatever he wants for compiled versions of his software. Businesses concerned about other companies copying their source code usually use proprietary software licenses.
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References
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