Essay: What Is Free Software?

Overview

"What Is Free Software?" is Richard Stallman's concise explanation of the philosophy behind the free software movement. Written in 1996, the essay defines free software not by price, but by the user's freedom to run, study, modify, and redistribute a program. Stallman argues that these freedoms are essential because software should serve its users, not restrict them. A program may be sold for money and still be free software, while free software may also be offered at no cost; the key issue is control, not price.

The essay centers on four essential freedoms. First, users must be able to run the program for any purpose. Second, they must be able to study how the program works and adapt it to their needs, which requires access to the source code. Third, they must be free to redistribute copies so they can help others. Fourth, they must be able to improve the program and release those improvements to the public. Stallman presents these freedoms as practical necessities that support cooperation, learning, and social progress, not as abstract ideals alone.

A major theme is the distinction between free software and proprietary software. Stallman criticizes proprietary programs because they deny users access to source code and forbid modification and sharing. In his view, this creates dependence on the developer and concentrates power in the hands of software companies. Free software, by contrast, enables communities of users and programmers to share knowledge, fix bugs, and build better tools together. He emphasizes that the freedom to share and alter software is what makes collaboration possible on a broad scale.

The essay also clarifies common misunderstandings. Stallman stresses that "free" refers to liberty, not price, because confusion over this word often leads people to assume that gratis software and free software are the same thing. He warns that simply having no cost does not guarantee user freedom, and that some free software may still be sold commercially. The important point is whether the license protects the user's rights to use, study, modify, and share the program. This definition became foundational for later discussions of licensing and software ethics.

Stallman also connects free software to a broader moral argument. He sees the issue as one of justice: denying users control over software is comparable to withholding knowledge and cooperation that they are entitled to receive. Because computers are deeply woven into daily life, software restrictions can affect education, communication, and participation in society. Free software, then, is not only a technical arrangement but a way to preserve user autonomy and encourage a more democratic digital culture.

The essay has remained influential because of its clarity and brevity. It distills the Free Software Foundation's position into a few memorable principles and offers a practical framework for thinking about software freedom. Stallman's definition still serves as a starting point for debates over open source, licensing, and digital rights, and it remains one of the most widely cited statements of the free software philosophy.