Open Source

An app is implemented as open source if all of its parts use an open-source license.

An App is implemented as open source if it uses an open-source license, and the source code is freely available. See als definition on Wikipedia.

Note that some Apps have several components, such as a Smartphone Component and a Cloud Component. We only consider the App to be open-source if all components are open-source; mixed source otherwise.

Advantages:

• independent researchers can research and understand the App’s implementation;
• often leads to higher code quality and fewer security issues;
• able to receive community contributions for bug fixes and new features;
• enables innovation by third parties.

Disadvantages:

• can be inconsistent with some monetization strategies (this may not apply to public health Apps).