What is source code? Learn about Source Code

If you're not a programmer or a web designer, you probably don't think much about what's behind the programs and websites you use every day. They are partly based on very long and complex commands. That text file is called Source code or Source code . Soon, we will learn more about the source code topic in more detail.

Table of Contents:
I. What is source code.
II. What is open source and closed source?
III. What is website source code?

I - What is source code?

1. Definition of source code

Source code or Source Code is the basic component of a computer program, containing executable code written by programmers. Source code is not directly executed by the computer, it must be converted into machine language by a compiler or interpreter. In some cases, source code may be machine-generated by source code conversion programs of a programming language.

Source code example, Source code

Some information to know about the source code:

- Source code is created by or programmer.
- Source Code is high-level code.
- Source code is written in plain text using some programming language like C, C++, Java, Python, etc. or assembly language.
- Humans can read and understand the source code.
- Source code needs to be converted into machine language for the computer to understand and execute commands.
- Source code can be easily modified.
- Source code is input to compiler or any other translator.

2. Purpose of source code

In addition to providing a foundation for software creation, source code has other important purposes, such as skilled users with access to the source code being able to easily customize software settings. more, if needed.

Besides, other developers can use the source code to create similar programs for other operating system platforms. Programmers can share the source code with the community for learning purposes and build applications based on it.

II - What is open source and closed source?

We already know what the source code is. So next, we will learn information about two types of source code: open source and closed source.

1. What is open source?

Open source code is software provided for free on the Internet along with its source code that anyone can improve, develop, upgrade or modify and customize to suit their intended use.

Open source software often comes with a distribution license. This license includes terms that define how developers can use, study, modify, and most importantly, distribute the software. Here are 5 of the most popular licenses:

- MIT License
- GNU General Public License (GPL) 2.0
- Apache License 2.0|
- GNU General Public License (GPL) 3.0
- BSD 2.0 License

Some examples of open source software are:

- GNU/Linux
- Mozilla Firefox
- VLC media player
- SugarCRM
- GIMP
- VNC
- Apache web server
- LibreOffice
- jQuery

2. What is closed source code?

In contrast to open source, closed source is software that uses proprietary code and is strictly protected. It is developed and provided to users as a set of executable and fully compiled files. Developers often provide support to users after purchase and ensure that the software works as expected. Only the original author of the software may access, copy and change the software.

Closed source code example

Closed source software is typically sold to end users, although it is sometimes provided for free. It is important that when purchasing closed source software, the user does not buy the software but buys a license to use the software. Some examples of closed source software are Windows, Microsoft Office, Photoshop.

Typically, proprietary software vendors such as Microsoft do not share source code with customers for two reasons: to protect intellectual property rights and to prevent customers from making changes to the source code that would result in damage the program or make it more vulnerable to attack.

3. Compare open source and closed source code

To better understand the characteristics of open source software and closed source software, we will compare 5 basic aspects: price, security, support, source code availability, and usability of the software. they.

3.1. Expense

Open source code is usually free software. However, it may have fees for additional features such as support, additional services or additional functionality.

Closed source software is usually paid software. Costs may vary depending on the complexity of the software. While the price may be higher, what you get is a better product with full support, new functionality and features. However, most companies offer free trials for users to try before buying.

3.2. Security

The question of security is causing a lot of controversy because both have certain advantages and disadvantages. The code of open source software can be viewed, shared, and modified by the community, meaning anyone can customize, upgrade, and test broken code. Bugs are fixed quickly and code is thoroughly tested after each release. However, open source code is often the target of hackers' attacks.

In contrast, closed source software can only be fixed by the vendor. Usually if the software has problems, developers will quickly release a new update to fix the error or users can contact the development team to ask for help.

3.3. Support

When compared in terms of support, it is clear that closed source software has the upper hand in this case. The cost that users spend to purchase the software includes the option to contact support when encountering problems.

For open source software, such an option is not provided. The only support options are forums, articles. and no wonder you get no response or get information that isn't very helpful.

3.4. Source code availability

Open source software provides the ability to change the source code without any restrictions. Individual users can develop what they want and benefit from innovation developed by others in the user community. Because open source code is easily accessible, it allows software developers to improve existing programs.

Closed source software is much more restrictive than open source software because no one can change or view the source code except the developer. However, that limitation ensures the security and reliability of this software.

3.5. Usability

Usability is a vexed topic of open source software. The manual is written for developers, not for ordinary users. For closed source software, usability is one of the valuable points. Documents are often carefully written and have detailed instructions.

III - What is website source code?

Behind any website and its functionality is the website source code (Source Code Website), written in a web programming language. When accessing a website, users often perform many operations such as scrolling, clicking, filling out forms. and each operation corresponds to a command. The source code is the skeleton of these operations. The purpose of website source code is to create a complete website containing information and providing many different functions to visitors.

Thus, TipsMake has provided you with some information you need to know about the source code. Hopefully through this article, you will have a clearer view of what source code is, the difference between open source and closed source code, as well as website source code. Besides, you can also find the best open source tools for Windows here.

Samuel Daniel

Update 15 June 2024