How Does Open Source Work?
Open Source software is developed and improved upon over time by large groups of programmers. Here’s an overview of the typical path an Open Source program may take.
The big idea. A software developer has an idea for a piece of software that would solve a specific problem. He starts to write the code.
Going public. The developer uploads this code to an Open Source site where other developers can see it, download it, and take a crack at solving the same problem.
The more ideas, the better. Over time, developers interested in the project play with the code, share ideas, and modify the original software. A piece of software can be written initially to solve one problem, then be expanded to solve many others.
Finished product. When an Open Source project is considered finished, it’s made available for the public to download, free of charge.