- #1
pairofstrings
- 411
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Thanks!
What is the meaning of 'Open Source' in electrical and computer field?
- Thread starter pairofstrings
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the meaning of "Open Source" within the electrical and computer fields, exploring its implications in both software and hardware contexts. Participants examine the concept's definitions, applications, and historical precedents.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants define "Open Source" as the availability of source code for modification, noting that various licenses, such as the GPL, impose conditions on redistribution.
- Others suggest that "Open Source" is often associated with software, while in the electrical field, it could refer to hardware components, such as a MOSFET device requiring external components.
- A participant mentions the Arduino platform as an example of an open source hardware project, questioning whether the concept introduces anything fundamentally new compared to traditional practices of sharing schematics and designs among hobbyists and engineers.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the applicability and implications of "Open Source" in hardware versus software, indicating that there is no consensus on its meaning across these domains.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights potential ambiguities in the term "Open Source," particularly regarding its application in hardware versus software, and the historical context of sharing designs and information in electronics.
- #2
Adyssa
- 202
- 3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source
Open Source generally means that the source code for the project is "open", so a user can modify it. Different licenses exist, the GPL is a common one, in which the user is obliged to release their modified source code.
Open Source does not necessarily imply that the product is free, although it often does.
Open Source generally means that the source code for the project is "open", so a user can modify it. Different licenses exist, the GPL is a common one, in which the user is obliged to release their modified source code.
Open Source does not necessarily imply that the product is free, although it often does.
- #3
uart
Science Advisor
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pairofstrings said:
I think you mean the "software" field. In the electrical field "open source" would be a mosfet device that required an external pull down resistor.
- #4
MATLABdude
Science Advisor
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uart said:I think you mean the "software" field. In the electrical field "open source" would be a mosfet device that required an external pull down resistor.
I've seen some "open source" hardware projects as well (including the Arduino platform which seems to be quite popular here--having never used it, I can't comment on it). Aside from the new name, I don't know if there's really anything new conceptually, since lots of electronics hobbyists and EEs have shared (in magazine, BBS, or forum format) schematics, code, layouts / gerbers, and in turn, refined and re-shared what they had.
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