As the name implies, Open Source refers to any product whose code/method/procedure of development is distributed along with the product. In software jargon, Open Source software specifies those software whose source code, that is, the computer programs and procedures written for developing the software are made available to the public.
But how does this benefit, or for that matter, empower the user? The answer lies in this simple daily life analogy. Suppose you visit a friend who has prepared a very delicious dessert for you. You like it and ask him/her about the ingredients and method of preparation of that dessert. Now your friend may either opt to tell you the recipe of the dessert or s/he may refuse to do so.
Consider the second scenario first. If you do not get to know the recipe of the dish, you won't be able to make one such yourself back at your home and you would have to be dependent on your friend whenever you wish to have a bowl of that delicacy.
Now consider the first scenario. If your friend reveals the recipe of the dessert to you, you will be able to make the same dessert back at your home and please your family members with your preparation! You might even want to change a particular ingredient, or alter the preparation method for the sake of improving the dish even more.
The second scenario is how the proprietary software model works. The software vendors make the users dependent on them to establish their monopoly over the market and curb the interests of other software manufacturers. Whereas, the first scenario is essentially what is Open Source. You get to know the source code in which the software program is written and you can modify, reuse and redistribute the software.
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