Software Source Code
Overview
Methodology
Open Source
While there are different open source licenses, open source code can generally be downloaded free-of-charge for personal and commercial uses, as well as modified based on your specific needs. If this code implements a useful change, improves an existing feature, or corrects a coding error, the original developers may even ask to integrate the changes you’ve made into their project. Depending on the license, you may even be able to re-upload the software as a fork, allowing you to resurrect an otherwise abandoned or unsupported project.
These types of technology are an important part of the development ecosystem. They allow for the creation of larger and farther reaching projects by allowing developers to integrate pre-existing open-source toolkits and libraries, instead of dedicating hours to recreating functionality. Open-source technologies often foster vast communities of developers, users and even entire organizations that dedicate their time to improving the project. This code is available for anyone to inspect, allowing communities to clearly see what the code is doing, thus ensuring the safety, security and intended function of the program for everyone.
Fork
This occurs when source code is split into two or more distinct directions. Forking leads to the creation of different versions of what had once been the same software. Forking can happen when a development team is at a design impasse, when software is no longer supported by its current developer, or for a variety of other reasons. The software is forked, allowing two distinct teams to have independent control of its development, sometimes leading down very different paths. This is how a lot of Linux operating systems come into existence.
Closed Source
Closed Source, by definition, is the opposite of open source. This means that the software uses proprietary code that is closely guarded and possible subject to intellectual property protections. Only the original authors can access, copy or alter the code that makes up this software. In the case of closed source software, you are not paying for the source code, but for a license to run the software.
Utilities
Toolkit
A toolkit is a collection of tools, containing frameworks, libraries, software, and the accompanying documentation, that work together for the creation of larger projects. A toolkit is generally focused on defining and fulfilling a specific purpose by integrating existing source code. [citation needed] You can think of a toolkit as a collection of blocks that have been pieced together to build a foundation and create a blueprint.
Framework
A framework is a collection of source code designed to act as scaffolding for additional source code or multimedia. While a library can be used within your software's source code, a framework is used as the basis for your software. It may help to think of a framework as the bare wooden frame of a house.
Library
A library is a collection of source code designed to fulfill a specific task, or a group of related tasks. Libraries do not generally have an intent of their own and assist software in completing their tasks. [citation needed] You can think of a library as the specific parts that may go into building a house, such as the windows, walls or plumbing.
Software Development Kit
Application Programming Interface
