What does it mean when something is forked?

[edok]

I can't seem to find the answer to this question. I hear a lot of people saying the CAP was forked but I have no idea what this means. Thanks!

[ajax3592]

It means to tweak the original source code according you need, or fork it.


From wiki:
In software engineering, a project fork happens when developers take a copy of source code from one software package and start independent development on it, creating a distinct piece of software. The term often implies not merely a development branch, but a split in the developer community, a form of schism.[1]

Free and open-source software is that which, by definition, may be forked from the original development team without prior permission without violating any copyright law. However, licensed forks of proprietary software (e.g. Unix) also happen.

[guybrushthreepwood]

I can't seem to find the answer to this question. I hear a lot of people saying the CAP was forked but I have no idea what this means. Thanks!

•     The programs that read the blockchain, the bitcoin ledger, disagree.
  
  
•       Due to a bug in 0.7, it says that HIS is the correct version of this ledger and 0.8 says that HIS is the correct version.
  
  
•       Miners (the people who add pages to the blockchain) are told to switch to the 0.7 program so that this version gains more support and the other one is discarded. (orphaned).
  
  
•       Regular users are not affected. Their transactions are included in both ledgers and don't need to change any programs.
  
  
•       During that time, though, there is a slight chance of a double-spend ocurring. That is why people recommended merchants and exchanges to wait until there is one single blockchain again before processing purchases and merchandise.

http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1a51xx/now_that_its_over_the_blockchain_fork_explained/[/list][/list]

[WillMilk4Coin]

I think it means this...

[Shadovka]

Are you serious with such pictures bro ?

[guybrushthreepwood]

I think it means this...

Well and truly forked.

[hieroglyph]

I've had this question rattling around my head for a while.  I'll give you my interpretation of what I think a fork is. I'd say it's a deviation from a planned path in the coding to make a long story short haha.

[crafty]

Creating new branch of existing software.

eg making a new brand of car based off of existing brand.