Open Source

Open source is a development model in which the source code of software is made public so that anyone can freely view / use / modify / redistribute it. There are several license types, such as the MIT License, the Apache License, and the GPL, and each has different conditions of use. Many of the foundations of modern software, such as Linux, Python, and React, are developed as open source.

In the world of QR codes, open source matters in two senses. First, the QR code specification itself is internationally standardized as ISO/IEC 18004, and anyone can develop software for generating / reading QR codes based on the specification document. Denso Wave holds the patent on the QR code, but it has stated a policy of not exercising its patent rights for use that complies with the standard.

Second, many QR code generation libraries are published as open source. Typical examples include qrcode.js for JavaScript, qrcode for Python, and ZXing (Zebra Crossing) for Java. With these libraries, you can build QR code generation features into your own applications free of charge. It can be said that the open source ecosystem has supported the explosive spread of the QR code from the technical side.