Open source refers to software or projects that provide access to their underlying code, allowing users to view, modify, and distribute the code freely. This collaborative approach to software development has become increasingly popular, as it encourages transparency, innovation, and community involvement. Open source projects often rely on volunteers to contribute to the code and help improve the software. This research area explores the benefits and challenges of open source development, as well as how it can be used to create high-quality, cost-effective solutions for a variety of industries and applications.