ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Free software philosophy

Free software philosophy is when people believe that software should be free and available for everyone to use, share, and modify. Think of it like sharing your toys with your friends.

This means that anyone can take a piece of software and make changes to it, like adding new features or fixing bugs. They can also share the software with others, so more people can benefit from it.

There are a few things that make software "free" according to this philosophy. First, it should be able to be used by anyone for any purpose. Second, people should be able to access and change the source code, which is like the recipe for the software. Finally, people should be able to share the software with others, either by giving it away for free or charging a small fee to cover any costs.

The folks who believe in free software philosophy think that software is like a tool, and that it should be available to everyone who needs it. They also think that software is just like any other form of knowledge, and that people shouldn't be restricted from sharing or learning about it.

This philosophy has led to the creation of a lot of important software, like the Linux operating system, which is used by millions of people around the world. It has also helped to promote a culture of sharing and collaboration in the software industry.