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What does GPL v2 mean?
Among today’s more popular OSS licenses is the GNU (of the GNU Project) General Public License Version 2.0, commonly referred to as simply GPL v2. Initially released in 1991, the GPL 2 is a copyleft license, meaning users must abide by some strict rules and requirements.
What is GPL distribution?
The GPL gives a person permission to make and redistribute copies of the program if and when that person chooses to do so. If you commercially distribute binaries not accompanied with source code, the GPL says you must provide a written offer to distribute the source code later.
What are the differences between GPL v2 and GPLv3 licenses?
The effectiveness in practice of the contractual regulations in the GPL has yet to be seen. c) The GPLv3 contains an explicit patent license, according to which people who license a program under the GPL license both copyrights as well as patents to the extent that this is necessary to use the code licensed by them.
Can a modified version of the GPL be distributed?
No. The GPL says that your modified versions must carry all the freedoms stated in the GPL. Thus, anyone who receives a copy of your version from you has the right to redistribute copies (modified or not) of that version. You may not distribute any version of the work on a more restrictive basis.
Is it better to use the GNU GPL or the GPL?
Using the GNU GPL will require that all the released improved versions be free software. This means you can avoid the risk of having to compete with a proprietary modified version of your own work. However, in some special situations it can be better to use a more permissive license.
What does the GPL say about providing source?
If you choose to provide source through a written offer, then anybody who requests the source from you is entitled to receive it. If you commercially distribute binaries not accompanied with source code, the GPL says you must provide a written offer to distribute the source code later.