1. MIT License
A permissive license that allows modification, distribution, sublicensing, and private use with minimal restrictions. Requires attribution but allows proprietary use.
Notable Projects:
- React.js
- Angular
- Ruby on Rails
Here are 10 open-source software licenses, their functions, and notable projects that use them
Threads by Ida Bagus Gede Pramana Adi Putra.
In today’s digital world, software powers everything from smartphones to cloud-based applications. But did you know that every piece of software you use is governed by a software license? Whether you’re downloading an open-source program, purchasing a subscription, or developing your own software, understanding software licenses is essential.
In this thread, we’ll give you 10 open-source software licenses, their functions and some of notable projects that use them.
2. GNU General Public License (GPL) v2 & v3
A copyleft license requiring derivative works to also be open-source under the same license. Ensures software freedom.
Notable Projects:
- Linux Kernel (GPLv2)
- WordPress
- Blender (GPLv3)
3. Apache License 2.0
A permissive license similar to MIT but includes explicit grant of patent rights.
Notable Projects:
- Apache Hadoop
- Kubernetes
- TensorFlow
4. BSD 2-Clause & 3-Clause Licenses
Permissive licenses allowing free use, modification, and distribution with minimal restrictions. The 3-Clause version adds a no-endorsement clause.
Notable Projects:
- FreeBSD
- OpenBSD
- PostgreSQL
5. Mozilla Public License (MPL) 2.0
A weak copyleft license that allows mixing with proprietary code but requires modifications to the MPL-licensed code to be open-source.
Notable Projects:
- Firefox
- Thunderbird
- Rust
6. Eclipse Public License (EPL) 2.0
Similar to MPL, allowing mixing with proprietary software but requiring open-sourcing of modified EPL components.
Notable Projects:
- Jenkins
- Eclipse IDE
- OpenJ9
7. GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) v2.1 & v3
Used mainly for creative works rather than software, allowing varying degrees of reuse, modification, and attribution requirements.
Notable Projects:
- FFmpeg
- Qt Framework
- GLib (used in GNOME)
8. Creative Commons Licenses (CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA, etc.)
Used mainly for creative works rather than software, allowing varying degrees of reuse, modification, and attribution requirements.
Notable Projects:
- Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
- OpenStreetMap (ODbL, a database-specific variant)
- Unsplash (formerly CC0)
9. Zlib License
A permissive license that allows almost unrestricted use, modification, and distribution.
Notable Projects:
- zlib (compression library)
- libpng
- Miniz
10. Unlicense
Effectively places software in the public domain, waiving all copyright restrictions.
Notable Projects:
- gist.github.com (often used for code snippets)
- Some small open-source libraries