🌍 What is Open Source?

Open source means software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to view, use, modify, and share. Instead of being locked by one company, the code is open to the community.

✅ Key points about open source

• Source code available — You can see exactly how it works.
• Free to use (mostly) — Anyone can download and run it.
• Community-driven — Developers around the world contribute, fix bugs, and add features.
• Collaborative learning — Great way for students to practice real-world coding.

🔎 Examples of Open Source Software

• Linux (operating system)
• Android (mobile OS core)
• Python (programming language ecosystem)
• VS Code (code editor)
• Firefox (browser)
• TensorFlow, PyTorch (AI/ML frameworks)

🚀 Why Open Source matters for students (especially CSE)

1. Learning from real projects — You see how professionals write production-level code.
2. Hands-on practice — Fixing bugs or adding features builds your skills.
3. Resume booster — Recruiters love candidates with open-source contributions.
4. Networking — You collaborate with developers across the world.
5. Opportunities — Programs like Google Summer of Code (GSoC) and Hacktoberfest reward contributors.

⚡ The harsh truth

• It can feel overwhelming at first (big codebases, strict contribution rules).
• But even small contributions (fixing typos, improving docs) count — and help you learn the workflow (GitHub, pull requests, version control).

👉 In short: Open Source = Free + Transparent + Collaborative Software Development. For CSE students, it’s one of the fastest ways to grow skills, build a network, and get noticed.