Introduction
This article will discuss why programmers are not allowed to alter or add to an open source code project. Open source code is defined as “computer software that is made available with a license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study, change, and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose”. Open source licenses typically protect the developers from certain copyright and patent claims and give them more freedom to create and share their work. Despite the freedom this type of license provides, there are still restrictions placed on what can be done with the code.
Types of Open Source Licenses
There are many types of open source licenses, with some being more restrictive than others. A few of the most commonly used open source licenses are the Apache License 2.0, the GNU General Public License, and the BSD License. Each of these licenses has its own set of rules and regulations as to what is allowed and what is not allowed under the license.
For instance, the Apache License 2.0 does not allow a person or company to use the code for any purpose other than what is specified in the license. It also prohibits any modifications to the code. On the other hand, the BSD License and the GNU General Public License allow for modifications, provided that the user keeps the original copyright notice. The GNU General Public License also requires that any modified code be made available for others to use as well.
Why Programmers Are Not Allowed To Alter Or Add To An Open Source Code
The main reason programmers are not allowed to alter or add to an open source code project is to protect the work of the original developers. When developers create open source code, they do so with the intention of sharing it with others. Allowing anyone to modify and add to the code could potentially put the original code at risk of being misunderstood or misused. Additionally, the original developers may also not want their code to be changed in any way that could potentially diminish its quality.
In addition, open source code projects may also have specific rules and guidelines that must be followed in order to maintain consistency. For instance, a project may require that all code submitted be properly documented and tested before it is accepted. In some cases, projects may even have a specific set of coding standards that must be followed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand why programmers are not allowed to alter or add to an open source code project. Open source code projects are typically created with the intention of sharing them with others, and it is important to maintain the quality and consistency of the code by ensuring that any changes or additions are in line with the project’s guidelines. Additionally, allowing too many modifications could potentially put the original code at risk of being misused or misunderstood. Therefore, it is important to respect the guidelines set by the project and follow the terms of the open source license when modifying or adding to an existing code base.