Open source hardware extends the definition of open source software code, including software, circuit schematic diagram, bill of materials, design drawings and so on. All of them adopt the open source license agreement, freely use and share, and are fully licensed in an open source way. In the past, DIY did not have a clear authorization when sharing. Open source hardware brings GPL, CC and other protocol specifications commonly used in software to the field of hardware sharing.
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In fact, at the earliest time, the hardware was open source. Including printers, computers, and even Apple computers, their entire design schematic diagram is open. In the 1960s and 1970s, many companies were thinking about "why should they open their own resources".
Therefore, during that time, many companies chose to close the source. This situation, coupled with many trade barriers, technical barriers, patent copyright and so on. , leading to mutual prosecution between different companies, similar to Samsung and Apple. This practice is beneficial to innovation to a certain extent, but it will hinder the development of small company innovators or individuals.
Under the premise of "open source", many people are thinking about whether hardware can re-enter the road of open source. After that, a small group of enthusiasts, that is, makers, devoted themselves to open source research. Open source developed from a very small thing, and now there are open source 3D printers, tractors and other agricultural machinery.
Baidu Encyclopedia-Open Source Hardware