Final answer:
Open source code allows software to improve through collaboration. Linux, as an open source operating system, impacted the high-tech industry by reducing costs and fostering innovation. Open licenses facilitate expansion and adaptation of software.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic premise behind open source code is that when many programmers can read, redistribute, and modify a program's code, the software improves. This collaborative environment enables continuous refinement and enhancement of the software, often leading to more robust, secure, and efficient applications. For example, the development of open source operating systems like Linux has had a significant impact on the economics of high tech by reducing software costs, fostering innovation, and increasing competition.
Open source software is openly licensed to provide the freedom to revise, remix, redistribute, reuse, retain, and expand the software to fit learning and developmental needs. This open model also accelerates the rate of technological advancement as new ideas and solutions can be shared across the global community quickly.