Software Licensing
A software license is a license agreement that gives an individual, company, or organization permission to use a software program. For example, in most cases, it is illegal to buy a single copy of a program and copy it from multiple computers.
Types of software licenses
- Public domain
This is the type that allows for all software licenses. When the software is public, anyone can change and use the software without restrictions. But you should always make sure that it is secure before you put it in your codec. Warning: Non-explicit license code is NOT automatically added to the public domain. This includes captions of the code you receive online.
2. LGPL
The GNU Lesser General Public License allows you to link to open libraries on your software. If you simply link the LGPL licensed library to your code, you may apply under any license you require or a related license. But if you convert the library or copy parts of it into your code, you will have to release your application in the same terms as the LGPL.
3. Permissive
Permission licenses are also known as “Apache-style” or “BSD style.” They contain a number of requirements for how the software can be modified or redistributed. This type of software license is probably the most popular license used with open source and open-source software. Apart from the Apache license and the BSD License, another common exception is the MIT License.
4. Copyleft
Copyleft licenses are also known as duplicate licenses or blocking licenses. A well-known example of a copy or copyright license is the GPL. These licenses allow you to modify the licensed code and distribute new functions accordingly, as long as you distribute any new functions or adapt to the same software license. For example, a partial license may mean that the work is free to use and distribute only for personal use. So any element you create will be limited to personal use only.
5. Proprietary
This is one of the most restrictive software licenses. The idea behind it is that all rights are reserved. It’s generally used for proprietary software where the work may not be modified or redistributed.
