Software Freedom Day

Software Freedom Day is dedicated to free software. Celebrated every third Saturday in September, this day highlights the importance of open-source software and the benefits it brings to the community. It encourages collaboration, innovation, and learning.

History

The idea of distributing free software on the internet belongs to Richard Stallman, the founder of the GNU Project, who made an announcement in 1983. In his opinion, if developers begin to spread various open-source programs more often, it will allow everyone to study the principles of their functioning in more detail. In addition, other specialists will be able to use them as a basis to create something new and useful.

In 2004, the Digital Freedom Foundation was created—an organization that regulates all issues of software distribution in its free form. It also oversees the celebration of Software Freedom Day.

Interesting facts

• The first analytical engine, which became the prototype of future computers, was created by Charles Babbage in 1822.
• The first programming language that could be used to write programs was developed in 1956 and was called FORTRAN.
• The massive development of software occurred in the 1970s when the first personal computers were created.

How to take part

During the celebration of Software Freedom Day, you can visit various computer exhibitions, take part in seminars, and listen to thematic lectures. The freely available software will allow you to improve your programming skills.

If you have the desire and certain abilities, you can try to develop your own program to perform some simple tasks.

When is Software Freedom Day in 2024?

Software Freedom Day is observed on the third Saturday of September each year.

Observations