Open-source software (OSS) powers the modern software ecosystem. In this video, we break down what open source actually means, how it works, and why it has become the backbone of today’s development landscape. You’ll learn core OSS principles like transparency, free distribution, and community-driven development, along with the major benefits: flexibility, interoperability, lower cost, and global collaboration. We also cover the challenges — security, support, documentation, licensing — and how OSS compares to closed-source software. If you’re building, shipping, or managing software, understanding open source is essential. What You’ll Learn • What open-source software is • Key principles: collaboration, transparency, licensing • Benefits for developers and organizations • Common challenges in OSS projects • Open source vs closed source explained • The role of the Open Source Initiative (OSI) Timestamps 0:00 — What Is Open Source Software 0:24 — Key OSS Principles 0:55 — How Open Source Development Works 1:37 — Advantages of Open Source 2:23 — Common Challenges 3:12 — Open Source vs Closed Source 4:12 — The Open Source Initiative 4:45 — Final Takeaways Learn More Harness DevOps Academy Hashtags #OpenSource #OSS #SoftwareDevelopment #DevOps #OpenSourceCommunity #SoftwareLicensing #TechnologyExplained #Harness