GNU GPL: Difference between revisions
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== | == Goals == | ||
GPL protects software freedom | |||
Ultimate goal: make sure every user has the four freedoms | |||
* Freedom to run the software | |||
* Freedom to study and modify the software. | |||
* Freedom to share the software | |||
* Freedom to distribute modified versions | |||
Every clause in GPL was designed to uphold one of these freedoms. | |||
* ...or, it's a compromise of drafting in "adoption v. freedom" debate | |||
GPL is primarily a copyright license | |||
* Software is copyrighted | |||
* License grants key freedoms | |||
* Requirements prohibit activities that take away freedoms | |||
General concept: copyleft | |||
Specific implementation: GPL | |||
17 USC section 102 | |||
Latest revision as of 06:38, 24 March 2014
Brief Introduction to the GNU General Public License
Bradley Kuhn
Goals
GPL protects software freedom
Ultimate goal: make sure every user has the four freedoms
- Freedom to run the software
- Freedom to study and modify the software.
- Freedom to share the software
- Freedom to distribute modified versions
Every clause in GPL was designed to uphold one of these freedoms.
- ...or, it's a compromise of drafting in "adoption v. freedom" debate
GPL is primarily a copyright license
- Software is copyrighted
- License grants key freedoms
- Requirements prohibit activities that take away freedoms
General concept: copyleft Specific implementation: GPL
17 USC section 102
