Free Software
Free Software is a philosophy and legal framework that ensures users have the freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute software. It is defined by the Free Software Foundation's four essential freedoms, which prioritize user control and community collaboration over proprietary restrictions. This concept underpins much of the open-source ecosystem and promotes ethical software development practices.
Developers should learn about Free Software to understand the ethical, legal, and practical implications of software licensing, especially when contributing to or using community-driven projects. It is crucial for roles involving open-source development, compliance auditing, or advocacy for digital rights, as it helps ensure software remains accessible and modifiable for all users.