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. It plays a critical role in promoting open source software development by ensuring that any derivative works must also be distributed under the same license, thus preserving the same freedoms for future users and developers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The GNU GPL was first released in 1989 and has undergone several revisions, with GPLv3 being the latest version as of 2007.
2. One of the core principles of the GPL is that it ensures that software remains free for all users, preventing proprietary restrictions on its use and distribution.
3. The GPL requires that any software derived from GPL-licensed code must also be licensed under the GPL, thus maintaining a cycle of openness.
4. Software developers often choose the GPL to encourage collaboration and sharing within the open source community, fostering innovation and improvement.
5. Many popular software projects, like the Linux operating system, use the GPL, demonstrating its significant influence on open source development.

Review Questions

• How does the GNU General Public License promote collaboration among developers in open source projects?
  • The GNU General Public License promotes collaboration by ensuring that all software licensed under it can be freely used, modified, and shared. This encourages developers to build upon each other's work without fear of legal repercussions or restrictions. By requiring that any derivative works also be licensed under the GPL, it creates an environment where improvements and innovations can be shared back with the community, leading to a cycle of continuous enhancement and cooperation.
• In what ways does the concept of copyleft relate to the principles of the GNU General Public License?
  • Copyleft is fundamentally intertwined with the GNU General Public License as it enforces the principle that derivative works must also be distributed under the same or similar licenses. This means that when developers create modifications or enhancements to a GPL-licensed program, they must ensure that their version remains equally open and free for others. This creates a protective barrier against proprietary claims on code, reinforcing the GPL's commitment to user freedom and collaboration.
• Evaluate the impact of the GNU General Public License on the broader landscape of software development and distribution.
  • The impact of the GNU General Public License on software development has been profound, as it has established a framework for open source distribution that prioritizes user rights and freedoms. By fostering a culture of sharing and collaboration, it has led to significant advancements in technology and innovation within the software industry. The widespread adoption of the GPL has also influenced many developers and organizations to consider open source as a viable alternative to proprietary software models, reshaping business practices and contributing to a more inclusive technological ecosystem.

Related terms

Open Source Software: Software that is released with a license that allows users to access, modify, and distribute the source code.

Copyleft: A licensing practice that allows derivative works but requires them to be distributed under the same or a similar license, ensuring the same freedoms are preserved.

Free Software Foundation: An organization founded by Richard Stallman to promote computer user freedom and to defend the rights of all free software users.