What is a Free Software? We call free software that lets people freely read, change, share, and use its source code. WordPress loves this kind of software because it aligns with their goal of building a welcoming community. It also matches their belief in being open and encouraging sharing.
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“Free” in Free Software
Let’s talk about what “Free” really means when we’re talking about Free Software. It’s not just about being cost-free; it’s more like having the freedom to speak your mind. When we say free software, we’re talking about the freedom to distribute and tweak the software as you like.
Back in 1989, Richard Stallman started the Free Software Movement because he was concerned about software licenses becoming too restrictive. This movement wasn’t just about software; it also addressed social issues of that time.
Understanding GPL: Its Relationship with Free Software
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is like the referee for software licenses, and it’s the boss of the GPL (General Public License). The GPL has had lots of updates to make sure it really protects the freedom of software users.
Think of the GPL as a “Bill of Rights” for software, giving you these choices:
- You can use the software for anything you want.
- You can dig into and tweak the source code for any reason you have.
- Feel free to share the software with others.
- If you make changes and share the software, it also has to be licensed under the GPL.
This cool practice called “copyleft” ensures that the spirit of free software stays alive and kicking.
Free Software Vs. Open-source Software
Open source is like a big movement led by the Open Source Initiative (OSI). It’s all about software that you can check out, share, and tweak. The Open Source Definition (OSD) breaks down this idea into ten parts and is the rulebook they follow.
These ideas support the goals of free software, like letting others share open-source programs for free or for a fee. They also allow changes to be made and shared, following the original program’s rules. Discrimination is a no-no.
Free software and open source are buddies with similar goals, but they have different vibes. Open source is into the business side of things, sharing source code and getting developers to team up. Free software is all about promoting freedom.
When you have software that’s free for everyone to use, modify, and share, it’s called open-source software.
You’ll find it under licenses like GPLv2, Apache, or PHP. And guess what? WordPress is a cool example of both free and open-source software (FOSS/FLOSS).
WordPress Business Sustainability with Free Software
WordPress maintains a sustainable business model through a unique community-driven approach. Unlike being controlled by a single person or company, WordPress is crafted and updated by a diverse group of talented individuals working together.
While a core team of engineers leads the project, anyone who loves WordPress can contribute to its improvement. Skilled programmers can submit patches and fixes, and users can suggest new features, making it a true community effort.
Even though the developers don’t directly make money from WordPress itself, they can earn by offering various services related to WordPress.
For example, We (ThimPress) have developed premium WordPress themes, premium WordPress plugins, offering advanced features for one-time fee or a monthly fee. This way, the community can thrive, and individuals or teams can sustain their efforts through complementary services.
Now You Know “What is a Free Software?”
In summary, Free Software is all about freedom and transparency, while open-source software leans towards commercial benefits and teamwork. A great example that embodies both these concepts is WordPress. It’s a cool blend of freedom and collaboration in the world of software.
Read More: What Is Default Theme In WordPress?
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