Tracing the First Steps: How the Concepts of Open and Closed Source Were Born

In the vast world of software development, two opposing approaches compete for the hearts of developers and users: “Open Source” and “Closed Source”. Each of these models has its own distinct characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

Come and discover the origins of the codes that drive today’s technology!

The Open Source movement emerged as an innovative alternative to the traditional closed and proprietary software development model.

It all began with Richard Stallman, the pioneer who launched the GNU Project and founded the Free Software Foundation, advocating for the idea of free software, which ultimately led to the concept of open source.

During the 1990s, the term “open source” gained prominence, emphasizing the practical benefits of open software. This led to the creation of the Open Source Initiative (OSI), which promoted the adoption of open-source licenses. Linux became a prime example of open-source success, demonstrating the power of collaborative development.

Today, open source is widely accepted and adopted by leading tech companies, driving innovation and fostering collaboration in software development.

On the other hand, the Closed Source model is defined by exclusivity. In this approach, the source code is kept private and is not accessible to the public.

Only the final version of the software is shared, meaning users cannot view, modify, or distribute the source code. This gives full control to the developers, who are often companies or organizations that hold copyright and intellectual property rights over the software.

The decision between Open Source and Closed Source depends on developers’ and users’ needs and preferences. Each model has its advantages, and in many cases, the software industry blends elements from both to create tailored solutions.

Regardless of the approach, both models drive diversity and innovation in software development.

💡 Want to continue your journey of discovery? Explore more content on our blog! 🚀

At Jala University, the “History of Software Engineering” course provides an in-depth exploration of the evolution of software engineering, covering its history, pioneering figures, and key milestones. One of the essential objectives of the course is to avoid a monotonous approach. To achieve this, professors have introduced an innovative teaching methodology, placing students at the center of the learning experience through the creation and publication of an online blog. In this blog, students are responsible for developing a specific topic related to the subject. This project culminates in a final presentation, where each team showcases their findings, followed by an interactive Q&A session.

Through this approach, we foster a dynamic and engaging educational experience, enabling students not only to gain knowledge of the subject but also to develop essential communication and analytical skills—key competencies for future software engineers.

This article was written in Portuguese and has been translated into English and Spanish with ChatGPT.