010-100 · Question #31
Which of the following possibilities is only available when using open source software?
The correct answer is D. Access to its source code. Access to source code is the defining characteristic of open source software, distinguishing it from proprietary software where source code is kept private.
Question
Which of the following possibilities is only available when using open source software?
Options
- ADownload of all its existing versions.
- BFree use.
- CAccess to its detailed help manual.
- DAccess to its source code.
How the community answered
(37 responses)- A3% (1)
- B16% (6)
- C11% (4)
- D70% (26)
Why each option
Access to source code is the defining characteristic of open source software, distinguishing it from proprietary software where source code is kept private.
Downloading older versions is a distribution or hosting decision and is not exclusive to open source software; many proprietary vendors also provide access to previous versions.
Free use (at no cost) is not exclusive to open source software; many proprietary applications are offered as freeware or have free tiers.
Help manuals and documentation can be and are provided with proprietary software as well, so access to a help manual is not exclusive to open source software.
Open source software is defined by the availability of its source code to users, who may view, modify, and redistribute it according to the license terms. This is the one capability that is exclusively guaranteed by the open source model, as proprietary software vendors explicitly withhold source code. The Open Source Initiative's definition requires that source code be distributed with the software or made freely available.
Concept tested: Defining characteristic of open source software
Source: https://opensource.org/osd
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