Open source review crucial
The GPL -- perhaps the best known open source software licence -- is being rewritten.
The concept of "open source" software was first put forward about 20 years ago by computer programmer Richard Stallman. It began as a philosophical notion that software should be distributed in a form that allows it to be modified by its users.
This means the source code -- or human readable code -- is distributed along with the object code -- or computer readable code. Most open source software is free or low cost. It is improved and modified by a bevy of users, rather than employees of the creator.
Businesses using open source software as part of their software offerings have to be careful how they use it, since they may be required to provide their own source code.
The General Public Licence (GPL) is one of dozens of open-source licences, so it is crucial for the actual licence that accompanies any source code be read and understood.
The GPL reads as much as a manifesto as a licence. It is "intended to guarantee (the user's) freedom to share and change free software -- to ensure the software is free for all its users."
"Free software" in this context is not necessarily meant to be free of charge.
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