The Open Source Definition


Introduction


Open source doesn't just mean access to the source code. The distribution terms of open-source 
software must comply with the following criteria:


1. Free Redistribution


The license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component 
of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources. The 
license shall not require a royalty or other fee for such sale.


2. Source Code


The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in source code as well as compiled
form. Where some form of a product is not distributed with source code, there must be a 
well-publicized means of obtaining the source code for no more than a reasonable reproduction 
cost preferably, downloading via the Internet without charge. The source code must be the preferred 
form in which a programmer would modify the program. Deliberately obfuscated source code is not allowed. 
Intermediate forms such as the output of a preprocessor or translator are not allowed.


3. 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.


4. Integrity of The Author's Source Code


The license may restrict source-code from being distributed in modified form only if the license allows
the distribution of "patch files" with the source code for the purpose of modifying the program at build 
time. The license must explicitly permit distribution of software built from modified source code. The 
license may require derived works to carry a different name or version number from the original software.


5. No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups


The license must not discriminate against any person or group of persons.


6. No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor


The license must not restrict anyone from making use of the program in a specific field of endeavor. 
For example, it may not restrict the program from being used in a business, or from being used for 
genetic research.


7. Distribution of License


The rights attached to the program must apply to all to whom the program is redistributed without the 
need for execution of an additional license by those parties.


8. License Must Not Be Specific to a Product


The rights attached to the program must not depend on the program's being part of a particular software 
distribution. If the program is extracted from that distribution and used or distributed within the terms 
of the program's license, all parties to whom the program is redistributed should have the same rights as 
those that are granted in conjunction with the original software distribution.


9. License Must Not Restrict Other Software


The license must not place restrictions on other software that is distributed along with the licensed 
software. For example, the license must not insist that all other programs distributed on the same medium 
must be open-source software.


*10. License Must Be Technology-Neutral


No provision of the license may be predicated on any individual technology or style of interface.