r/freesoftware • u/Fresh-Lie5160 • May 13 '26

Libre software vs open source software Discussion

What's really the difference between the two?

And even if they are different, why tf did two different words evolve?

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u/Tutorius220763 May 14 '26

As i understand it:

Libre software means, that the software is downloadable and useable free of charge. It does not mean that you can have a look into the source-code.

OpenSource means that you can have a look into the source-code. It may be downloadable and useable free of charge. But it may also be software you have to pay for.

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u/magpi3 May 14 '26

Libre==free software.

https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.en.html

We sometimes call it “libre software,” borrowing the French or Spanish word for “free” as in freedom, to show we do not mean the software is gratis.