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How to Share Software
This website is about the different ways to share
software source code. Shared source code is called "source available,"
and there are multiple levels of source available software.
Source Available
Most Available
Level 5: Public Domain
| Governance |
communal |
| Freedoms |
run
read
modify
redistribute
|
| Notes |
Public domain does not exist equally in all
countries. Insofar as it exists, it is the highest level of
sharing. There are no restrictions. |
Level 4: Open Source
| Governance |
communal |
| Freedoms |
run with minimal restrictions
read
modify with possible restrictions
redistribute with some restrictions
|
| Notes |
Open Source software is shared with minimal
restrictions, such as no use without attribution, no use without
sharing-alike, or no patent litigation.
|
Level 3: Open Product
| Governance |
communal |
| Freedoms |
run with restrictions
read
probably modify
possibly redistribute
|
| Notes |
These don't really exist yet, but imagine a
future where entities combine Fair Source licensing with communal
governance to create democratic economic opportunity. |
Level 2: Fair Source
| Governance |
corporate |
| Freedoms |
run with restrictions
read
probably modify
possibly redistribute
|
| Notes |
Some companies make their source code publicly
available, allowing some real usage but restricting other
usage in line with their business model. |
Level 1: Privately Shared
| Governance |
corporate |
| Freedoms |
run singly
privately read
possibly modify
redistribute
|
| Notes |
Some companies make their source code
privately available to customers or other parties under
contractual license or confidentiality terms. |
Least Available
Closed Source
| Governance |
corporate |
| Freedoms |
possibly run
read
modify
redistribute
|
| Notes |
Source code is not shared outside of the
company that owns it. |