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Source Code: Difference between revisions

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==Definition==
==Definition==
Source code is a delicate question to tackle in the broad context of free contents. For example, the GNU GPL defines it as ''"the preferred form of the work for making modifications to [the work]"''. Indeed, source code is of primary importance for many kinds of works (especially software).
Source code is a delicate question to tackle in the broad context of free contents. For example, the GNU GPL defines it as ''"the preferred form of the work for making modifications to [the work]"''. Indeed, source code is of primary importance for many kinds of works (especially software).


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==Discussion of terms==
==Discussion of terms==
* ''structured'': which gives access to the structure of the work (for example, an OpenDocument file gives access to the structure of the document, whereas a PDF file doesn't)
* ''structured'': which gives access to the structure of the work (for example, an OpenDocument file gives access to the structure of the document, whereas a PDF file doesn't)
* ''modifiable'': whose format allows easy modification (including modification of structure)
* ''modifiable'': whose format allows easy modification (including modification of structure)
* ''computation'': which does not involve any creative act from a human beingQUESTI COMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM  CI VUOLE  MESSI VICINO A UNA PARETE  E TUTTI I COMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM FUCILATI  PER TUTTO IL MALE E I MARTIRI  CHE STO PASSANDO IN 18 ANNI  UNA DONNA DI 65 ANNNI  RIDURLA IN QUESTE CONDIZIONI  ASPETTANO LA MIA MORTE    SONO MOLTO ++++ SICURI TOGLIENDO ME CHE IO SOLA AL MONDO SO CHE C'E IN INTERNET    DAL 1 A L'ULTIMO  LADRI MAFIOSI  DIABOLICI  INTERNET E L'AMANTE SEARH MI TENGONO UN MAUS ++++++++++++++++  DURO    DURO CHE IL MIO BRACCIO NON LO POSO MUOVERE    MI SENTO MORIRE    NON MI ANNO DATO NIENTE  E MI FANNO ANCHE MALE
* ''computation'': which does not involve any creative act from a human being


==Transitivity==
==Transitivity==
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==Examples==
==Examples==
* software source code
* software source code
* editable text (raw text, XML, word processor files...)
* editable text (raw text, XML, word processor files...)
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* tablatures, lyrics
* tablatures, lyrics
* multitracks from an audio recording
* multitracks from an audio recording
* ...
* multitracks from any video recording

Revision as of 11:50, 27 April 2020

Definition

Source code is a delicate question to tackle in the broad context of free contents. For example, the GNU GPL defines it as "the preferred form of the work for making modifications to [the work]". Indeed, source code is of primary importance for many kinds of works (especially software).

But there are also situations where the idea of source code appears irrelevant or even meaningless. Consider a digital recording of a modern rock concert. How do we define "source code" ? No symbolic or textual transcription of the concert will be able to describe exactly (so as to reproduce accurately) the manner in which the guitarist picked the strings of his instruments, the slight variations in pitch or tempo of the singer, etc.

Even if no "source code" can be made available for such a work, it would be counter-productive to qualify it as "non-free" if it satisfies to the other freedoms of free content.

Thus, let's define a criterion for knowing when source code is mandatory:

  • When the work or part of it is generated by computation from a modifiable structured form (e.g. textual), this modifiable structured form is called source code. It must be made available to recipients of the work.

Discussion of terms

  • structured: which gives access to the structure of the work (for example, an OpenDocument file gives access to the structure of the document, whereas a PDF file doesn't)
  • modifiable: whose format allows easy modification (including modification of structure)
  • computation: which does not involve any creative act from a human being

Transitivity

Of course, the source code must satisfy the freedoms of free content as well. Therefore, by recursion, our definition is not weaker than the one in the GNU GPL

Examples

  • software source code
  • editable text (raw text, XML, word processor files...)
  • vector graphics files
  • tablatures, lyrics
  • multitracks from an audio recording
  • multitracks from any video recording