Description: The GPL (General Public License) is a widely used free software license. This license allows users to run, study, modify, and distribute the software, ensuring that all copies and modified versions of the software also remain free. The GPL is based on the principle that software should be accessible to everyone, promoting collaboration and transparency in software development. One of its most notable features is the ‘copyleft’ clause, which ensures that any software derived from a program licensed under the GPL must also be distributed under the same license. This creates an ecosystem where free software can thrive and evolve, benefiting the community as a whole. The GPL has been fundamental in promoting free software and has influenced how many applications, libraries, and development tools are developed and distributed today.
History: The GPL was created by Richard Stallman in 1989 as part of the free software movement. Its goal was to provide a legal way to ensure that software could be freely used and modified. Since its release, there have been several versions, with GPLv2 released in 1991 and GPLv3 in 2007, which introduced new clauses to address contemporary issues such as tivoization and patent protection.
Uses: The GPL is primarily used in the development of free and open-source software. It allows developers to create applications that can be shared and improved by others, fostering a collaborative environment. It is common in software projects such as operating systems, libraries, and development tools.
Examples: Examples of software that uses the GPL include the Linux operating system, the Apache web server, and the GIMP image editing software. These projects have thrived thanks to the collaboration of developers from around the world, who can contribute to and improve the code under the terms of the GPL.
