From fe860e1306dc799f26fb834b10fe8b3091b0ca67 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: medusa Date: Fri, 31 May 2024 09:11:28 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Add tech_docs/license.md --- tech_docs/license.md | 46 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 46 insertions(+) create mode 100644 tech_docs/license.md diff --git a/tech_docs/license.md b/tech_docs/license.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7386cf2 --- /dev/null +++ b/tech_docs/license.md @@ -0,0 +1,46 @@ +# Choosing the Right License for Your Project + +When releasing a public project, selecting an appropriate license is crucial. The license determines how others can use, modify, and distribute your software. Here's a concise guide to help you choose the right license for your project. + +## Common Licensing Scenarios + +### 1. Permissive Licenses +- **Description**: Permissive licenses allow users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software with minimal restrictions. +- **Common Licenses**: MIT License, Apache License 2.0, BSD Licenses (2-clause and 3-clause). +- **When to Choose**: If you want to maximize the reach and adoption of your project, allow commercial use, and impose minimal restrictions on users. + +### 2. Copyleft Licenses +- **Description**: Copyleft licenses require that any derivative works or modifications of the software be distributed under the same license terms. +- **Common Licenses**: GNU General Public License (GPL) v2 or v3, GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) v2.1 or v3, Mozilla Public License (MPL) 2.0. +- **When to Choose**: If you want to ensure that derivative works remain open-source and contribute back to the community. + +### 3. Public Domain +- **Description**: Public domain dedication means relinquishing all copyright claims and allowing unrestricted use, modification, and distribution of the software. +- **Common Licenses**: Creative Commons Zero (CC0), The Unlicense. +- **When to Choose**: If you want to give complete freedom to users and allow them to use the software without any restrictions. + +### 4. Proprietary Licenses +- **Description**: Proprietary licenses are restrictive and limit the use, modification, and distribution of the software. +- **Common Licenses**: End-User License Agreement (EULA), Custom Proprietary Licenses. +- **When to Choose**: If you want to maintain control over the software, restrict its usage, or commercially license it to others. + +## Factors to Consider +When selecting a license, consider the following factors: +- Your goals for the project and how you want others to use and contribute to it. +- The licenses of any third-party libraries or dependencies used in your project. +- The potential for commercial use and derivative works. +- The level of control and attribution you want to maintain. +- The compatibility of the chosen license with other licenses. + +## Applying a License +To apply a license to your project: +1. Create a `LICENSE` file in the root directory of your project. +2. Copy the text of the chosen license into the `LICENSE` file. +3. Replace any placeholders (e.g., ``, ``) with the appropriate information. +4. Commit the `LICENSE` file to your version control system. +5. Include a brief statement in your project's README file, mentioning the chosen license and linking to the `LICENSE` file. + +## Disclaimer +This guide provides a general overview of common licensing scenarios. There are many other licenses available with varying terms and conditions. It's always recommended to carefully review the specific terms of a license and consult with a legal professional if you have any doubts or specific requirements for your project. + +Remember to clearly communicate the chosen license in your project's documentation and provide any necessary attributions or notices as required by the license. \ No newline at end of file