Open source refers to a type of software development model where the source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, or distribute it. This model promotes collaboration and community-driven development, contrasting with proprietary software where the source code is kept secret and controlled by a single organization. The open-source philosophy is predicated on the idea that collective input and scrutiny lead to better software quality, more flexibility, and enhanced innovation. Besides software, the open-source model has also been applied to other domains, including hardware designs, data sets, and even organizational structures. The transparency of open-source projects not only facilitates ongoing improvement but also enables rapid identification and resolution of security vulnerabilities or other issues.