# Open source: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> Open source is software whose licence allows access to its code and grants certain rights of use, modification and distribution.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/open-source.html

# Open source

Open source is software whose licence allows access to its code and grants certain rights of use, modification and distribution

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

Conditions vary by licence and should be reviewed before integrating it into a product. A repository being visible does not mean it has an open source licence. The evaluation should also consider maintenance, security and community.

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Variants and linked concepts

- **Free software.** Free software emphasises the freedoms to use, study, modify and distribute. Its relationship with open source depends on the licences and the approach.

## Related concepts

- [Data product](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/data-product)
- [Algorithm](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/algorithm.html)
- [API](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/application-programming-interface.html)