Free software and open source are two closely related concepts that promote the freedom to use, modify, and distribute software. Free software emphasizes the ethical and philosophical rights of users to control their computing, ensuring that software is available at no cost and with access to its source code. Open source focuses on the practical benefits of collaborative development, transparency, and rapid innovation by making the source code publicly accessible. Both movements have significantly contributed to the growth of a collaborative software ecosystem, fostering community-driven projects, improving security through peer review, and enabling users and developers to adapt software to their specific needs without restrictive licenses.
