What is GPL

by Yogi P - September 8, 2023

What does GPL stands for?

GPL stands for the General Public License. It is the de facto standard for how open-source software is distributed. It’s a kind of “copyleft” license, meaning that any derived work must remain under the same license. The GPL has been in use since 1989 and is used by many open-source projects, both small and large.

In that respect, the GPL is a form of copyright law that gives open-source developers certain rights and freedoms when it comes to sharing their code. It states that anyone can copy, modify and redistribute the software, as long as the source code is made available under the same license, and it also mandates that any derivative work should also remain under the GPL.

Essentially, the GPL allows users to benefit from the developments of open-source software projects without having to pay anything for it. It’s also considered a more “liberal” license, meaning it is more accepting of different kinds of open-source software projects, such as software for commercial use.

By using the GPL, open-source software developers are free to share their work with the world without worrying about their code being misused. It’s a way of protecting their work, while also encouraging collaboration between other developers.

Conclusion

The GPL, or General Public License, is a type of copyright law that covers open-source software projects. It gives developers the freedom to copy, modify, and redistribute the software, as long as the source code is made available under the same license.

The GPL is a way of protecting open-source software while encouraging collaboration and innovation, and it’s been in use for many years.