What is GPL?
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 software. Originally written by Richard Stallman for the GNU Project, the GPL was designed to promote software freedom and prevent proprietary restrictions on open-source code.
The GPL is a copyleft license, meaning any derivative work must also be distributed under the same license terms. This ensures that any software derived from GPL-licensed code remains open and free for all users. In practice, if a developer modifies GPL software or incorporates GPL code into a new project, they are required to make their source code available and license it under the GPL as well.
There are multiple versions of the GPL:
GPLv1 (1989): The original version focused on preventing code from being made proprietary.
GPLv2 (1991): Introduced stricter conditions, making it incompatible with some other licenses.
GPLv3 (2007): Addressed new legal and technical issues like software patents and digital rights management (DRM), aiming for broader compatibility and stronger protections for users.
Key features of the GPL include:
Freedom to use: Anyone can use the software for any purpose.
Freedom to modify: Users can change the code to suit their needs.
Freedom to distribute: Users can share the original or modified software.
Source code availability: Distributors must provide access to the source code or offer to provide it.
The GPL has been instrumental in the growth of open-source software. Major projects like the Linux kernel and GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) use the GPL to protect their code and promote collaboration. By ensuring that software stays free and modifiable, the GPL helps build a sustainable ecosystem where innovation and transparency are prioritized over proprietary control.
