When creating software, you may want to use code that someone else already created. Perhaps you want to incorporate other aspects of someone else’s software into your code. In any situation, you need to make sure that you pay attention to the license.
A software license provides you with the details about how you can use the code or software. There are a few different types that you want to know about. Here is a look at the five most common software licenses that you will come across:
1. Lesser General Public License
Synopsys explains an LGPL allows you to link your code to an open-source library and release it under any license you want. However, if you modify the library in any way, then you need to release your work under the terms of the LGPL.
2. Public domain
This is a very permissive option. You can take software and use it in any way you want, which includes modifying it. There are no restrictions on use.
3. Proprietary
This a restrictive option. It limits you from using or changing software without the creator’s permission. This generally applies to proprietary software.
4. Permissive
You can often modify and use this software in any way you want. Permissive licenses may have a few restrictions, but they are generally not too constrictive.
5. Copyleft
You may also call these restrictive or reciprocal licenses. They let you do what you want as long as you maintain the terms of the original license. The terms may provide restrictions, such as not allowing you to use it for commercial use.
When you come across something that you want to use, you need to first check the licensing. It is essential to do this to avoid legal problems in the future and to avoid wasting your time creating software that you cannot use. Plus, when you honor other’s licenses, it helps strengthen the system, which will only help you in the long run.
