GNU General Public License

Definition

The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely used free software license that guarantees end users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. This license ensures that any derivative work must also be distributed under the same license terms, thus promoting the principles of open source and ensuring that software remains free for all users.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first version of the GNU General Public License was released in 1989, with version 3 being published in 2007 to address issues like software patents and tivoization.
2. The GPL is one of the most popular licenses in the open source community and has been used by many high-profile projects like the Linux kernel and GNU utilities.
3. By using the GPL, developers ensure that their software remains free for anyone to use, modify, and redistribute, which helps foster innovation and collaboration.
4. When software is licensed under the GPL, any derivative work must also be distributed under the same GPL license, which protects the freedoms granted by the original software.
5. The GPL emphasizes user freedom and community collaboration, making it a cornerstone of the free software movement that advocates for ethical software use.

Review Questions

• How does the GNU General Public License embody the principles of open source software?
  • The GNU General Public License embodies open source principles by ensuring that users have the freedom to run, study, modify, and share the software. By requiring that any derivative works also be distributed under the same license, it promotes collaboration and transparency. This ensures that as software evolves through contributions from various developers, it remains accessible and free for all users, aligning with the core values of open source.
• Discuss how copyleft works within the framework of the GNU General Public License and its impact on software development.
  • Copyleft is a key feature of the GNU General Public License that allows developers to modify and distribute software while ensuring that all derived versions remain free and open. Under this framework, if someone creates a modified version of GPL-licensed software, they must release their changes under the same GPL license. This practice fosters an environment where innovation thrives while safeguarding user freedoms, thus reinforcing a culture of shared knowledge in software development.
• Evaluate the implications of using the GNU General Public License for a new software project in terms of legal responsibilities and community expectations.
  • Using the GNU General Public License for a new software project carries significant legal responsibilities as developers must comply with its requirements regarding redistribution and derivative works. They are expected to provide access to source code and maintain licensing consistency in any modifications. This can build community trust and encourage collaboration, but it also requires adherence to ethical standards related to user freedom. Failing to meet these obligations could lead to legal challenges or damage to reputation within the open source community.

Related terms

Copyleft: A licensing approach that allows derivative works to be made, but requires them to be released under the same license, ensuring continued freedom for users.

Free Software Foundation: An organization founded by Richard Stallman to promote the use and development of free software and to advocate for software freedom.

Open Source Software: Software that is made available with its source code, allowing users to study, change, and distribute it. Open source licenses vary in terms of user rights and obligations.