Open source software licensing is a development component that enables creators to distribute their software under clearly defined terms. These terms outline permissible uses, modifications, and distribution methods, fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and innovation. Such licenses also safeguard the original authors’ rights, ensuring their contributions are recognized and protected. A flowchart is served below as a tool to aid developers in selecting the most appropriate software license, guiding them through various considerations based on their specific needs and goals. This approach simplifies the decision-making process and helps ensure the chosen license aligns perfectly with the project’s intended use and distribution.
Overview of Different Software Licensing Options:
GNU General Public License 2 (GPL-2.0):
- The GNU General Public License version 2.0 (GPL-2.0) is an open-source license that guarantees the right to copy, distribute, and modify software, ensuring all versions and modifications remain freely available under the same terms. For more detailed information, you can view the license at GNU GPL 2.0.
GNU General Public License 3 (GPL-3.0):
- The GNU General Public License version 3.0 (GPLv3), updates the GPL to address modern software development challenges, notably strengthening defenses against patent aggression and prohibiting DRM restrictions that limit user freedoms. It enhances compatibility with other licenses like Apache License 2.0, fostering broader cooperation within the open-source community. More information can be found at GNU-GPL 3.0 or GNU General Public Licensing 3.0.
Affero General Public License 3 (AGPL-3.0):
- The GNU Affero General Public License version 3.0 (AGPLv3) addresses the older GPL licenses by requiring that any modified software run on a network server provide users access to the source code, thus extending copyleft to network services. AGPLv3’s network use stipulation makes it less popular in corporate settings due to its potential to complicate proprietary software development and integration.For more detailed information about AGPLv3 you can go to AGPLv3 or GNU Affero General Public License.
Mozilla Public License 2.0:
- The Mozilla Public License 2.0 (MPL 2.0) is a free and open-source license that uniquely applies on a file-by-file basis, allowing for the mixing of MPL and non-MPL files within the same project, thereby facilitating greater flexibility in commercial and open-source software integration. For more information, you can view the complete license on Mozilla Public License 2.0 or MPLv2.0.
GNU Library or “Lesser” General Public License 2.1(LGPL-2.1):
- The GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 (LGPL-2.1) permits the integration of LGPL-licensed software with proprietary software without necessitating the release of proprietary source code, primarily targeting software libraries to allow linking with non-free programs. This license offers flexibility for developers to use open-source components without exposing their entire codebase to the GPL’s copyleft requirements and also provides the option to license under the ordinary GPL if preferred. For a detailed view, you can visit LGPL-2.1.
GNU Library or “Lesser” General Public License 3.0 (LGPL-3.0):
- The GNU Lesser General Public License version 3.0 (LGPL-3.0) is a copyleft license that allows LGPL-covered software to be linked with and incorporated into other software under different licenses, particularly benefiting library use by enabling the software containing the LGPL library to retain its original license while improvements to the LGPL parts must remain open. For more information, go to LGPLv3.0 or GNU Lesser General Public License 3.0.
Eclipse Public License 1.0 (EPL-1.0):
- The Eclipse Public License version 1.0 (EPL-1.0) is a moderate copyleft license that facilitates the use of collaboratively contributed code in proprietary products, requiring source code availability for EPL-licensed portions while allowing mixed licensing for other parts of the application. For a more detailed description, you can visit EPL-1.0 License.
Common Development and Distribution License (CDDL-1.0):
- The Common Development and Distribution License 1.0 (CDDL-1.0) is an open-source license that supports the use, modification, and distribution of software, allowing integration with proprietary code, while promoting community growth by ensuring modifications remain under the same terms. For more information go to CDDL-1.0.
The MIT License (MIT):
- The MIT License is a permissive open-source license that grants users significant freedom to use, modify, distribute, and sublicense the software without the requirement to disclose source code, making it highly favored for both private and commercial use due to its simplicity and minimal conditions, which include preserving copyright and permission notices. It additionally limits liability and warranty, enhancing its appeal in commercial settings where it protects contributors from legal repercussions and is compatible with various other licenses. For more detailed information go to MIT License OPS or MIT Choose a License.
The BSD 3-Clause “New” or “Revised” License (BSD):
- The 3-Clause BSD License is a permissive open-source license that allows redistribution and use of software in source or binary form, with minimal restrictions including preserving copyright notices, prohibiting the use of licensors’ names for promotion without permission, and disclaiming liability, thereby promoting broad usage due to its simplicity and fewer restrictions. For more details, go to 3-Clause BSD.
The BSD 2-Clause “Simplified” or “FreeBSD” License:
- The 2-Clause BSD License is a permissive open-source license that allows unrestricted use, modification, and distribution of software, requiring only the retention of copyright notices and disclaimers, thereby facilitating its incorporation into both open-source and proprietary projects due to its simplicity and minimal restrictions. For more details, go to 2-Clause BSD
Apache License 2:
- The Apache License 2.0 is a permissive software license that allows free use, modification, and distribution of the software, even commercially, with stipulations for preserving the license and notice of changes, alongside a notable patent license provision that grants rights to use patented contributions, reducing legal risks associated with patents. Additionally, it requires that modifications be documented and redistributed under the same terms, ensuring transparency and compliance. For more detailed information you can go to Apache License 2.0 or APL 2.0.