Closed source facts for kids
Closed source software is like a secret recipe for a computer program. Imagine a delicious cake, but the baker keeps the exact ingredients and steps a secret. That's what closed source software is: its special instructions, called the source code, are not shared with everyone. This means people can't easily look at, change, or copy the program's inner workings.
Closed source software is the opposite of open source software, where the recipe (source code) is made public for anyone to see and use.
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What is Closed Source Software?
When you use a computer program, whether it's a game, a web browser, or an app on your phone, it's made up of many lines of code. This code is the "source code." For closed source software, the company or person who created it keeps this code private. They don't let others see or change it.
This is why closed source software is also often called proprietary software. "Proprietary" means that someone owns it and has special rights over it, like a secret invention.
Why is Software Closed Source?
Most companies that sell their software want to protect their work and make money from it. If everyone could see and change the source code, it would be easier for people to copy the software for free or create their own versions without paying.
Here are some reasons why software might be closed source:
- To make money: Companies sell licenses to use their software, and keeping the code private helps them control who uses it and how.
- To protect ideas: The source code contains unique ideas and ways of solving problems that the creators want to keep secret from competitors.
- To ensure quality: Developers can control all changes to the software, which can help maintain its quality and prevent bugs from being introduced by others.
- To prevent misuse: Sometimes, developers worry that if the code is public, people might use it for harmful purposes.
Closed Source vs. Open Source
The main difference between closed source and open source software is how their source code is handled.
- Closed Source:
* The source code is kept secret. * Only the original creators can change it. * Users usually buy a license to use the software. * Examples include many popular operating systems, office programs, and video games.
- Open Source:
* The source code is public and anyone can see it. * People can often change and share the code, following certain rules. * It can be free to use, but not always. * Examples include many web browsers, operating systems, and tools used by developers.
Freeware and Closed Source
Sometimes, you might get software for free, but it's still closed source. This is often called "freeware". With freeware, you don't pay money to use the program, but you still don't get to see or change its source code. It's different from "free software" (which is usually open source) where you have the freedom to do almost anything with the code.
Even if software is given away for free, the creators might keep it closed source because they want to control its development, or they might not want others to claim credit for their work without making the program better.
Images for kids
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A friendly robot, representing technology and software.
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