Licenses
A license is a legal document that specifies how software or content can be used, modified, and distributed. Open source licenses ensure that projects remain open and accessible while protecting the rights of creators and users.
🔑 Common Open Source Licenses
- MIT License: Simple and permissive. Allows reuse with minimal restrictions.
- Apache License 2.0: Similar to MIT but includes explicit patent rights.
- GNU General Public License (GPL): Requires derivative works to also be open source (copyleft).
- BSD Licenses: Family of permissive licenses with minimal restrictions.
- Creative Commons (CC): Used for creative works (not software), with various levels of permissions.
- CC0 1.0 Universal: Public domain dedication, no rights reserved.
📚 Useful Links
- Choose an open source license
- The Legal Side of Open Source
- CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)
- The MIT License
- Creative Commons
📝 Notes
- Always read and understand a license before using or contributing to a project.
- The choice of license affects how others can use, modify, and share your work.
- Some licenses are more permissive, while others require sharing improvements under the same terms (copyleft).