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What does open source mean?

Developer terms Published

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Open source software is software whose source code is published under a license that lets other people read, use, change and share it. The Open Source Initiative keeps the formal Open Source Definition, which lists ten criteria. One of them is that the program must include source code.

Why it matters

You can read what the program does instead of trusting a description of it. Others can find bugs, fix them and in many cases build their own version. It does not mean free of charge, though many open source projects are free, and being open source does not by itself make a program safe.

On the Mac

Boring Notch is a free, open source notch app, according to its own README as checked on 7 October 2026. See NotchStar vs Boring Notch. NotchStar itself uses one open source part: MediaRemoteAdapter, released under the BSD 3 clause license, which it credits in its third party notices.

Is NotchStar open source?

No. NotchStar is closed source. The guide on its safety explains the checks you can run instead, such as verifying the signature and watching its network use.

Compare options in the best Mac notch apps, and read is NotchStar safe.

Keep reading.

What does closed source mean?
Closed source software keeps its source code private and ships only the built app. Learn what that means for trust and what you can check instead.
The best Mac notch apps in 2026, compared fairly
Compare thirteen Mac notch apps from their official pages, with prices, requirements, strengths, limits and who each one suits. Updated 4 November 2026.
NotchStar vs Boring Notch
An evidence based comparison of NotchStar and Boring Notch, the free GPL 3.0 notch app: price, signing, HUDs, release history, features and who each one suits.
Is NotchStar safe? Signing, permissions and what it sends
NotchStar is signed and notarized by Apple, needs no account and sends nothing unless you opt in. See every permission it asks for and how to check it yourself.

More in Developer terms.

What is NSPanel?
NSPanel is the AppKit window class for auxiliary windows such as palettes and utility panels. Learn why a notch app uses a non activating one.
What is SwiftUI?
SwiftUI is Apple's framework for declaring an app's user interface in Swift code. Learn what it does, how it meets AppKit and how NotchStar uses both.
What is AppKit?
AppKit is Apple's older framework for building Mac apps with windows, menus and events. Learn what it covers and why SwiftUI apps still use it.
What is NSPasteboard?
NSPasteboard is the AppKit object that moves data to and from the Mac clipboard. Learn how apps read it and why clipboard managers poll change count.
What is MediaRemote on macOS?
MediaRemote is a private Apple framework that reports what is playing on a Mac. Learn why it is restricted since macOS 15.4 and how notch apps work around it.
What is hover intent?
Hover intent is a short delay before a hover opens something, so passing the pointer by does not trigger it. Learn how NotchStar tunes it at the notch.
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