GPL
GPL stands for GNU General Public License. It is a widely used free software license that guarantees end users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. Software licensed under the GPL is referred to as “open-source” because its source code is available for anyone to view and use.
Here are the main freedoms provided by the GPL:
- Freedom to Use: You can use the software for any purpose.
- Freedom to Study and Modify: The source code of the software is available, allowing you to study how it works and make changes to it if desired.
- Freedom to Distribute: You can share the software with others, whether modified or not.
- Freedom to Distribute Modified Versions: If you make improvements or modifications to the software, you can distribute your versions under the same license terms, so others can benefit from your work.
The GPL aims to protect these freedoms by requiring that any software derived from a GPL-licensed program must also be released under the GPL. This ensures that the software and its modifications remain free and open for everyone.