Source code

Definition and stakes

Andrew Morin; Jennifer Urban; Piotr Sliz,  A Quick Guide to Software Licensing for the Scientist-Programmer…

“ Without access to source code, researchers cannot effectively inspect, understand, or manipulate the inner workings of a program. Source code availability is of increased importance in the context of scientific research, where peer review, reproducibility, and building upon prior work are integral to the advancement of science. Source code access helps researchers quickly identify and remedy bugs that might lead to spurious results and adapt programs or pieces of code to suit individual needs, and allows expert users to contribute to code development on an informal basis. ”
Source: Wikisource

Sam Williams,  Free as in Freedom (2002) — Chapter 8… (2002)

“ The difference between protecting a program under copyright and protecting a program under software patents is subtle but significant. In the case of copyright, a software creator can restrict duplication of the source code but not duplication of the idea or functionality that the source code addresses. In other words, if a developer chooses not to use a software program under the original developer's terms, that second developer is still free to reverse-engineer the program—i.e., duplicate the software program's functionality by rewriting the source code from scratch. ”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Neil Butcher Neil Butcher,  A Basic Guide to Open Educational Resources (2011)

“ Author’s source code integrity. If the license allows patch file distribution along with the original source code, a user cannot modify the code and distribute it except by giving the new version a new name. No personal discrimination. No person or group shall be discriminated against during open source product distribution. No restriction on application. Open source software can be used in any field and for any purpose. ”
Source: Wikisource

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