The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely used and highly popular free software license, guaranteeing end users (individuals, organizations, and companies) the freedom to use, study, share (copy), and modify the licensed software. It was originally written by Richard Stallman of the Free Software Foundation (FSF) for the GNU Project in 1989. Since then, it has become one of the most significant open-source software licenses, with version 3 of the GPL (GPLv3) being the latest release, published in 2007.
The primary goal of the GPL is to support the growth of the open-source movement, promoting collaboration, transparency, and fairness in software development. It achieves this by establishing a legal framework for authors to share their source code under specific terms and conditions. The GPL is often referred to as a "copyleft" license because, unlike conventional copyright, which restricts users' abilities to use and distribute software, the GPL gives them more freedom while ensuring that those freedoms are preserved for future users.
Under the GPL, an author of software (the licensor) grants specific rights to the users (licensees) of the software. These rights can be summarized as follows:
- Freedom to run the program for any purpose.
- Freedom to study and modify the software.
- Freedom to redistribute unaltered copies of the software.
- Freedom to distribute modified versions of the software, given that the changes made to the original code are clearly indicated, and the modified code is released under the same GPL terms and conditions.
One of the key aspects of the GPL is its "share-alike" nature, which requires derivative works (i.e., modified versions of the licensed software) to be released under the same GPL terms. This ensures that the openness and the cooperative spirit of the GPL are maintained, fostering innovation and collaboration within the software development community. Additionally, the GPL explicitly permits the distribution of the software for a fee, as long as the four freedoms mentioned above are preserved. This flexibility has led to a thriving ecosystem of businesses built around creating, supporting, and distributing GPL-licensed software.
A prime example of a project released under the GPL is the Linux operating system kernel, one of the most prominent open-source projects in existence. Thousands of developers and organizations worldwide contribute to the Linux kernel, illustrating the power and versatility of the GPL in encouraging collaboration and sharing while promoting free software principles.
The GPL is compatible with a variety of software licensing models, including dual licensing. This approach allows software authors to offer their works under multiple licenses simultaneously. For example, a developer may choose to distribute their software under both the GPL (for users who prefer to abide by its terms) and a proprietary license (for users who require more flexibility). This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses that build commercial products or services based on open-source software.
At AppMaster, the no-code platform for creating backend, web, and mobile applications, we recognize and appreciate the importance of the GPL and the open-source movement. AppMaster is dedicated to providing a powerful, accessible, and efficient tool to benefit a wide range of customers. Our platform is capable of generating real applications with full source code, allowing businesses to adopt and adapt open-source software as needed without incurring technical debt. We support using GPL-licensed libraries and frameworks, contributing to the growth and sustenance of the open-source ecosystem.
In summary, the GNU General Public License is an integral part of the open-source software community, ensuring that software users have the freedom to use, study, modify, and redistribute the licensed works. By promoting collaboration, innovation, and transparency, the GPL has become a cornerstone of modern software development, benefiting a vast array of projects, businesses, and end users. At AppMaster, we strive to align our platform with these principles, empowering our customers to create scalable, cost-effective, and cutting-edge software solutions.
