February 1989
GPL version 1 published
The Free SoftwareSoftware users can run, study, modify, and share — emphasizes user freedom, not just zero price. Foundation published GPLGNU General Public License — a widely used open-source license that requires derivatives to stay open. v1 in February 1989 — the copyleftA license approach requiring derivative works to remain open — the GPL is the classic example. license behind Linux, GCCGNU Compiler Collection — the dominant open-source compiler toolchain for C, C++, and other languages., and thousands of projects.
What it was for
GPLGNU General Public License — a widely used open-source license that requires derivatives to stay open. requires derivatives to stay open — influencing corporate open-source policies and dual-licensing business models. Every developer who ships GPLGNU General Public License — a widely used open-source license that requires derivatives to stay open. code inherits Stallman's legal framework.
People
- Richard Stallman — author
Companies
- Free Software Foundation
Why it's here
GPLGNU General Public License — a widely used open-source license that requires derivatives to stay open. is the legal backbone of the free softwareSoftware users can run, study, modify, and share — emphasizes user freedom, not just zero price. ecosystem.
Why it mattered
CopyleftA license approach requiring derivative works to remain open — the GPL is the classic example. ensured improvements returned to the community.
What it solved
Permissive licenses let companies take open code proprietary without contributing back.
Media
- ImageGNU General Public License
Free Software Foundation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons