In communication and information theory, the term “source” refers to the origin or the starting point from which a message or information originates. The source is responsible for generating and sending the message to a receiver through a channel (medium). In different contexts, “source” can have varied meanings:
- Communication: In the basic model of communication, the source is the person (or entity) who creates and sends a message to a receiver.
- Journalism: The term refers to a person, document, or record that provides information for a news story.
- Citing in Academic or Research Works: A source refers to books, articles, websites, or any other medium where specific information was obtained.
- Programming: The term “source code” refers to the original code written by a programmer, which is then compiled to produce a software application.
- Electricity: The point of origin of electrical power, like a battery or a generator, is termed a source.
- Water Systems: The beginning or place of origin of a river or stream is also called its source.
In general, the concept of a source denotes the starting point or origin of something, be it information, energy, or physical matter.