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Last modified by chrisby on 2025/01/11 10:03
From version 2.112
edited by chrisby
on 2025/01/08 13:31
Change comment: There is no comment for this version
To version 2.123
edited by chrisby
on 2025/01/11 09:56
Change comment: There is no comment for this version

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47 47  
48 48  **Copyleft Licenses**
49 49  
50 -Copyleft Licenses
50 +To address problems with proprietary software, the FSF promotes copyleft licenses, such as the AGPL, which require that any derivative works remain under the same license.
51 51  
52 -To address the problems with proprietary software, the FSF primarily promotes copyleft licenses, which require that any derivative works of the software be licensed under the same terms as the original code. The term "derivative work" is legally somewhat vague, but a common understanding is that if the AGPL code is essential for the software to work, then the software is considered a derivative work. For example:
52 +The term "derivative work" is somewhat vague in legal terms, but a common interpretation is that software that depends on AGPL code to function is a derivative work.
53 53  
54 -* If a software needs AGPL source code directly, it is a derivative work. this means that using an AGPL licensed library or putting AGPL code directly into the project makes it a proprietary product.
55 -* Another example is when software uses an external AGPL service over the network.
56 - * If the AGPL service is not essential and is an optional addition to the software, then it is not considered a derivative work.
57 - * If the AGPL service is an essential or even mandatory part of the software, then it is considered a derivative work. For example, a vendor might come up with the idea to use AGPL code in his proprietary software, but out-source it into a shareable service accessible over a network, so that his proprietary software does not directly need the AGPL code, but does not work without it. The proprietary software is tightly coupled to the AGPL code. This is still considered a derivative work, so this attempt to bypass the AGPL is prevented by the license.
54 +For example, if a project directly incorporates AGPL source code or relies on an AGPL library, it must adopt the AGPL license for its entire code base. Similarly, if software calls an external AGPL service over a network and the service is purely optional, the software is not considered a derivative work. However, if the service is essential and the software won't work without it, even if the AGPL code is hosted externally, the software is still considered a derivative work. Therefore, attempting to "work around" the AGPL by outsourcing essential functions in a network service will not avoid the license requirements.
58 58  
59 -This copyleft license ensures that when contributions are made to a copyleft project, or when copylefted code is reused directly in another project, the resulting work must be released under the same copyleft license. This prevents vendors from incorporating copyleft code into proprietary products, and ensures that any derivative works remain open source. In addition, copyleft licenses require that the source code be made available to users so that they can modify, build, and control the software themselves.
56 +In summary, copyleft licenses like the AGPL ensure that whenever code is reused or contributions are made to existing code, the resulting work must remain open source. These licenses also require that the source code be made available upon request, so that users can modify, build, and control the software themselves if they wish.
60 60  
61 61  **License Preferences**
62 62  
63 -The OSI aims to maximize the contributions and impact of open source by being open to all open source licenses. Permissive licenses have become very popular in recent years, especially in commercial contexts, but the OSI is open to choosing copyleft licenses if developers want to ensure that derivative works remain open and free. The FSF, on the other hand, tolerates all open source licenses, but has a strong preference for copyleft licenses, believing that all software should be protected in this way.
60 +The OSI aims to maximize the contributions and impact of open source by being neutral and open to all licenses that meet the open source definition, whether permissive or copyleft. The FSF accepts all open source licenses, but has a strong preference for copyleft licenses.
64 64  
65 65  **User Behavior**
66 66  
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74 74  
75 75  **Does a permissive or copyleft project lead to more contributions?**
76 76  
77 -* Permissive licenses might attract more users, especially vendors, and lead to more voluntary contributions. Copyleft licenses, on the other hand, might repel some of them, but force improvements to be open-sourced and shared with the community. Which effect is greater depends on the situation.
74 +* Permissive licenses might attract more users, especially vendors, and lead to more voluntary contributions. Copyleft licenses, on the other hand, might repel some contributors, but force improvements to be open-sourced and shared with the community. Which effect is greater depends on the situation.
78 78  
79 79  **Why should people with no technical expertise care about open source?**
80 80