Why do we believe in open resource

Open Source

  • Definition: Open source typically refers to software whose source code is made freely available. Anyone can view, modify, and distribute the code.

  • Licensing: Open source software is released under specific licenses (e.g., MIT, GPL, Apache) that set out the terms for modification, redistribution, and use.

  • Community and Development: Open source projects often rely on community contributions and collaborative development practices. They usually have defined processes for code reviews, issue tracking, and version control.

  • Examples: Linux operating system, Firefox browser, and numerous libraries used in programming.

Open Resources

  • Definition: Open resources encompass a broader range of materials beyond software. This can include educational content, research data, design assets, and more—anything that is made publicly available for use, reuse, and modification.

  • Licensing: Open resources are often shared under licenses like Creative Commons or other open content licenses that specify how the material can be used, adapted, or distributed.

  • Usage Context: While they share the ethos of accessibility and collaboration, open resources might not have the same structured community development processes as open source software. Instead, they are designed to be easily accessible and adaptable for educational, research, or creative purposes.

  • Examples: Open educational resources (OER) like textbooks or lecture notes, datasets released by governments or research institutions, and open design files for 3D printing.

Key Differences

  • Scope: Open source is a subset within the broader category of open resources, specifically relating to software and its source code. Open resources include any type of content or data that is freely accessible.

  • Focus: Open source emphasizes collaborative development and continuous improvement of software, while open resources focus on democratizing access to a wide array of information and creative outputs.

  • Licensing Nuances: Although both use open licenses, the specific licenses differ. Open source licenses are tailored for software, ensuring that modifications and distributions maintain the openness of the code. Open resource licenses, like Creative Commons, provide flexibility for various types of content (text, images, videos, etc.).