What statement is true regarding open-source software?

Open-source software is designed to encourage collaboration and sharing. The defining characteristic of this type of software is that its source code is made available to the public, allowing anyone to access, modify, and distribute it freely. This openness fosters innovation and allows communities to contribute to the improvement and evolution of the software.

The ability to modify the code means that users can adapt the software to meet their specific needs and share these modifications with others, further enhancing the utility of the software for a wide range of applications. This is distinct from proprietary software, where the source code is kept private and only the original developers have control over it and can make modifications. Additionally, while many open-source projects are available at no cost, the potential for modification and distribution is the core principle that defines open-source software.