A project fork is when an aspect of existing software is used to create a new product. This can happen with free or proprietary software, and the new product seeks to improve on the borrowed features. Communication with the original developers is voluntary. Proprietary software forks are usually conducted by the license holder, but independent developers may be able to use it with a contractual agreement. Forks may eventually overshadow or redirect back to the original software.
In computer applications, a project fork is a situation in which a particular aspect or feature of an established software product is used as the basis for creating a new product that is geared towards applications that are not the focus of the original software. Forking your project is a common occurrence and can happen using free or open source software. There are also examples of a project fork project that arose using some aspect of a proprietary software product.
Within the software engineering process, there is the constant development of new software packages that meet a growing range of consumer needs. Often, existing software provides the inspiration for these new products. One or two features from a current software package can form the basis for a new product. In this scenario, the new software is said to have “branched” or branched off from the pre-existing software product. The new fork of the project seeks to improve the appeal of those borrowed features, as well as add new features that are not present in the original software offering.
Using open source software to create a project fork is relatively simple. You do not need to obtain permission from the original developer, nor are you required to cooperate in any way with the developers of the original software. However, it is not uncommon for the developer of a project fork to interact with the original developers, sometimes to the point of working together on the project fork. However, this level of communication and collaboration is completely voluntary and is not a requirement when dealing with free software.
With proprietary software applications, the creation of a fork of the project is normally conducted by whichever entity holds the license to the original software. However, it is possible for an independent developer to enter into a contractual agreement that permits limited use of the licensed software in the development of the branch or fork. Most commonly, the company that controls the original software will simply use internal resources to develop the project fork and retain full control of the license. This approach is often employed when developing new, more feature-rich versions of proprietary software or creating complementary software packages that will work with the original software.
It is possible that a fork of the project could lead to the development of a software package that eventually overshadows and even replaces the original software. Other times, forks may develop only to eventually be redirected to the original software application and marketed as a new and improved version.
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