Flex and Open Source

by Giorgio Natili

Since the release of version 3.0, the Flex framework has been under the Mozilla Public License (MPL). With this move to an open source license, the framework's popularity increased and numerous open source library and development tools have been released as well. Sometimes the words open source are misunderstood. In this article, we will explore what it means to be open source, and we’ll look at some of these tools and libraries as they relate to Flex development.

What is Open Source?

Open source software makes its human-readable source code available in a way that meets the Open Source Definition of the Open Source Initiative. The term "open source" means more than access to the source code; also consider the following points when dealing with open source software or when planning to release in open source:

1. The license should not restrict anyone from selling or giving away the software as part of a larger software distribution containing programs from several different sources.
2. The program must include its source code, and must allow distribution in source code as well as in compiled form.
3. The license must allow modified and derived works.
4. The license must not restrict anyone from making use of the program in any field of endeavor.
5. Integrity of the author’s source code: the license may require derived works to carry a different name or version number than the original software.

Many different philosophies drive open source development. The open source model draws its strength from doing away with organizations and central control and replacing them with networks of individuals. Moreover, open source fosters cooperation to create better software by deriving inspiration from other people and allowing people with different skills to collaborate on projects.

Read more of this article in Flex Authority Volume 2 Issue 1!

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