With Hacktoberfest 2023 kicking off tomorrow, developers are gearing up to contribute to open-source projects. But have you ever stopped and wondered: What does "open source" truly mean?

When I kicked off my coding journey, "open source" sounded like just another buzzword for sharing code. But as I read more about it, I realized its significance came from the ideas of community, collaboration, and freedom. This philosophy is defined by the Open Source Initiative (or OSI, to keep it short) which sets clear standards for what genuinely counts as "open source."

The OSI presents these 10 points that software must check off to wear the open-source badge proudly. While I've listed them below for a quick glance, dive deeper into The Open Source Definition if you're curious.

1. Free Redistribution

You can share the software freely, sell it or give it away. No one should charge you just for the right to share it.

2. Source Code

The software should come with its recipe (code). If it doesn't, there should be an easy way to get it, preferably for free.

3. Derived Works

You can make changes or improvements to the software, and you should be able to share those too under the same rules/license.

4. Integrity of The Author’s Source Code

If you change the original software, you might have to mark your changes or give it a new version number. It’s a way to respect the original creator's work.

5. No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups

The software is for everyone, no matter who they are.

6. No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor

Whether you're using the software for work, play, research, or anything else, you're good to go.

7. Distribution of License

When you share the software, the rules should go with it. Nobody should have to get a new license to use or share it.

8. License Must Not Be Specific to a Product

The rules should be the same, whether the software is part of a package or stands alone.

9. License Must Not Restrict Other Software

If you want to bundle this software with another, the license shouldn’t have issues or conditions about the other software.

10. License Must Be Technology-Neutral

No matter what technology you're using (old, new, or futuristic), the software rules shouldn't favor one over another.

So as you can see, the spirit of open source goes beyond software development. Think about it like sharing a recipe or jamming together in a garage band. It’s about everyone chipping in, whether it’s in projects, art, or even that side-project app, hence upholding the principles of redistribution, collaboration, and non-discrimination

So, as you gear up for Hacktoberfest 2023, remember that each of your contributions is more than just a pull request — it's a step toward a vision of shared knowledge and innovation. Each bug report, feature enhancement, or documentation update carries the weight of this philosophy.

Every single contribution, however small, will be impactful, one way or the other. This Hacktoberfest, as you contribute, know that you're not only adding to a project, but you're also embracing and promoting a philosophy that believes in the limitless potential of collaborative innovation.

Happy Hacking !!