What is the main goal of Open Source Software (OSS)?

The main goal of Open Source Software (OSS) is to enable public access, modification, and collaboration on source code. This philosophy encourages transparency, allowing anyone to view the code, modify it, and share their contributions with the community. The core principles of OSS include promoting innovation and allowing users to tailor software to fit their needs, ultimately fostering a collaborative environment where improvements and bug fixes can be contributed by anyone interested.

In this context, charging users a fee for accessing source code goes against the fundamental tenets of OSS, as it would limit accessibility and collaboration opportunities. Similarly, providing limited access for security reasons contradicts the very nature of openness that OSS promotes. Additionally, placing restrictions on modifications unless permitted by the original developers would create barriers to collaboration and community-driven development, which is not in line with the open source model. Hence, the focus on ensuring access and collaborative enhancement defines the essence of Open Source Software.