Principles and Philosophies

Free and open source software distinguishes itself by its principles and philosophies. From the licenses that govern it to the people, history, and ideas that brought it into being, this is the place to learn what free and open source software is all about and how it got to be that way.

Open Source Explained
Open source is a software development method, a legal issue, and a philosophy. Its spirit has spread beyond programming and has traveled the globe. But if you find yourself a little confused about the details, this explanation should make it much clearer.

5 Open Source Must-Reads
5 must-read books to learn free and open source software's key people, events, and ideas.

What is an Open Source License
The legal rights included in different types of open source licenses

The Cathedral and the Bazaar
Eric Raymond's influential essay about the open source development community model.

Why Software Should Not Have Owners
Argument against software ownership by Richard Stallman, free software advocate.

Why Open Source misses the point of Free Software
Criticism of open source software by free software advocate Richard Stallman.

The Open Source Definition
Bruce Perens writes about the history of the open source community.

Open Source as a Business Strategy
Brian Behlendorf writes about using open source to build a business.

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