Open Source Definition (OSD)
Open source doesn’t just mean free access to the source code. To be recognized and authorized by the Open Source Initiative, the licenses of open source software must comply with the following 10 criteria.
Defined by external page Open Source Initiative, last modified on February 16, 2024.
Source Code
The software must include source code and allow distribution in both source and compiled forms. There must be a well-publicized way to obtain the source code, which should be in a form that programmers can easily read and modify. Deliberately obfuscated source code is not allowed.
No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups
Equal access for all users.
No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor
Cannot restrict use in specific fields or applications, like business or research.
License Must Not Restrict Other Software
The License cannot place restrictions on other software distributed alongside.
License Must Not Be Specific to a Product
Rights cannot be tied to a specific product or being part of a particular distribution.
Free Redistribution
The license cannot limit or charge a fee for selling or sharing the software as part of a bundled software distribution.
Derived Works
The license must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow them to be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original software.
Integrity of Author's Source Code
May restrict modified source distribution if patch files are allowed. Must permit distribution of software built from modified source code.
Distribution of License
Rights must apply to all to whom the software is redistributed without requiring them to sign a separate license.
License Must Be Technology-Neutral
The license cannot depend on any specific technology or type of interface.