Open source software
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So i understand why open source software exists. It is to make the original source code for software better by having other people view it and be able to edit it. But, what stops people from making it worse? With ether bad code by mistake or intentionally? Does open source software ever get worse with other people editing it?
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Yes, it can. When I use open source, I make sure it has a good reputation with users.
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The original source doesn't get changed by any one. Changes to the code is controlled by
version control
. Probably the most popular usage of it isgit
andgithub
. For example I, as a developer (which I am not), do not make changes to the code but get a copy of the code in a branch. I can modify the branch but not the original code. Any submission to change the original code I choose to make would be reviewed and then decided whether to accept some of the changes, all of the changes or none of the changes.This has been a very effective means at controlling the original code so that the software doesn't get worse from intentional or unintentional changes.
Other's that know details about this may jump in and provide more details.