GNU General Public License

What does GNU General Public License mean?

The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely used free software license that protects the rights of users to use, study, copy, modify, and distribute software. It was created by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) in 1989 to ensure that software remains free and open source.

The GPL is a copyleft license, meaning that any modifications or derivative works of licensed software must also be released under the same terms. This ensures that freedoms granted to users of the original software are preserved throughout its distribution chain.

Key provisions of the GPL include:

• Free to use: Individuals and organizations can use GPL-licensed software for any purpose without paying royalties or fees.
• Free to study: Users have the right to access the source code to understand how the software works and make modifications.
• Free to copy and distribute: Copies of GPL-licensed software can be distributed freely, both for Commercial and non-commercial purposes.
• Obligation to distribute source code: IF modified versions of GPL-licensed software are distributed, the source code for those modifications must also be made available.
• Protection from software patents: The GPL prohibits attempts to patent software covered by the license.

Applications

The GPL is used in a wide Range of software projects, including popular operating systems like Linux, web servers like Apache, and database management systems like MySQL. Its adoption has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant open-source software ecosystem.

The GPL is important because it:

• Promotes software freedom: Ensures that software users enjoy the fundamental rights to use, modify, and distribute software without restrictions.
• Supports open-source collaboration: Encourages individuals and organizations to contribute to software development and innovation through collaboration and open sharing.
• Protects against Vendor Lock-In: Prevents software users from becoming dependent on a single vendor by ensuring access to source code and the ability to switch providers.
• Fosters competition and innovation: Promotes a competitive environment in the software industry, leading to increased innovation and advancements in technology.

History

The GPL was developed by Richard Stallman, the founder of the FSF. In the early 1980s, Stallman became concerned about the growing trend of software being privatized and released under restrictive licenses. He believed that software should be free and open for everyone to use and modify.

In 1989, Stallman released the first version of the GPL. The GPL has since undergone several revisions to address new technological developments and legal challenges. Version 3 of the GPL was released in 2007 and remains the most widely used version today.

The GPL has been instrumental in the growth of the free and open-source software movement. It has empowered individuals and organizations to create, share, and use software without the constraints of proprietary licenses. The GPL continues to be a cornerstone of the open-source ecosystem, ensuring the sustainability of free and open software for the future.