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0 pointsGordonS5y ago0 comments

> One could argue if VScode is an open source project or not

I mean... not really, no?! It's MIT licensed and fits any definition of OSS I've ever seen.

AFAIK, the only non-OSS part is the installer.

0 comments

While it is also available under the MIT license, MS reserves the right to re-license it however they see fit. If you want to contribute, you'll have to sign their CLA to give Microsoft that right.

z3t45y ago

One problem is that you are required to sign away your rights in order to contribute, so that in the future you might not have the rights to use your own work.

Then there are proprietary extensions, like the "remote" extension (1) that competes with Theia's open source solution.

Also see open source vs FOSS (2)

1) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22792612

2) http://wiki.c2.com/?FreeAsInBeer

GordonSOP5y ago

I've well aware of the OSS/FOSS definitions - it was exactly those that made me question your argument thst VS Code isn't open source. It plainly is, and indeed is Free As In Beer.

I don't see the problem with proprietary extensions - any open plugin mechanism will have at least some proprietary extensions (by the primary maintainer, or by third parties), including Theia's if it gains enough traction.

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