In the world of software development, "Open Source" is frequently treated like a magical word. It’s the machine under the hood of the ultramodern internet. Whether you're a solo inventor erecting the coming big SaaS, a blogger looking for the stylish plugins, or a CTO at a Fortune 500 company, you're likely standing on the shoulders of titans. But then's the million-bone question: Is "Open Source" actually free? The short answer is yes. The long answer is: *It depends on how you define "free," and if you are not careful, it could bring you your entire business.* Moment, I want to pull back the curtain on open-source licenses, partake a particular horror story, and give you a companion on how to use free software without getting sued. Table of Contents 1. The Day I Nearly Blurted My Company's Secret Sauce 2. Why Open Source Licenses Actually Live 3. The "Big Four" Licenses You Need to Know 4. 3 Common Miscalculations That Lead to L...