källkodsrörelsen

Källkodsrörelsen, often translated as the "source code movement," refers to the principles and practices surrounding the idea of making computer program source code publicly available. This movement is closely associated with the development of free and open-source software (FOSS). The core tenet is that users should have the freedom to view, modify, and distribute the source code of the software they use.

The origins of the movement can be traced back to early computing culture where sharing code was commonplace. However, as software became commercialized, proprietary licenses became the norm, restricting access to source code. The källkodsrörelsen emerged as a counter-movement, advocating for transparency and user empowerment. Key figures like Richard Stallman, founder of the GNU Project, and Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux kernel, have been instrumental in popularizing these ideas.

The movement emphasizes several freedoms, including the freedom to run the program for any purpose, to study how it works and change it, to redistribute copies, and to distribute copies of modified versions. These principles underpin the development of a vast array of software, from operating systems like Linux to web browsers like Firefox and countless other applications. The collaborative nature of the movement fosters innovation and allows for rapid bug fixing and security improvements through community contributions. It has also influenced the development of standards and open formats, promoting interoperability and reducing vendor lock-in.