Written by GNU General Public License (GPL) is a free license for open-source projects. It allows anyone to copy, modify, distribute, sell, and even make proprietary products based on the original work.
WordPress uses this license by default when you install it from WordPress.org or any other source. GPL allows you to have complete freedom of use for the software, WordPress. It doesn’t act as a license that restricts your freedom but it acts as an agreement between you and the developers of WordPress.
In short, you can use WordPress to its full extent!
Four Freedoms offered by General Public License
The four freedoms are:
- Freedom 1 – The freedom to run the program for any purpose.
- Freedom 2 – The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your computing in different ways.
- Freedom 3 – The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
- Freedom 4 – The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements with the same freedom as version 1.
Why do we need GPL?
There are many reasons why we need General Public License. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Open Source Software
Open Source means that the code is available for everyone to see and use. This makes it possible for people to contribute their own ideas to the project. In addition, if someone finds a bug in the software, they can fix it themselves instead of waiting for the developer to come up with a solution.
2. Free Software
Free Software means that the users have the right to use, study, and modify the software without paying anything. If you want to use the software, you don’t have to pay for it. You also get to keep the changes you made to the software.
3. Freedom To Use
With General Public License (GPL), you can use the software however you like. You can even sell the software. However, you must give credit to the original author(s).
4. No Restrictions On Distribution
When you download GPL software, you’re not restricted to using it only on one computer. You can share it with others.
5. No Discrimination Against Persons Or Groups
With GPL, no one gets special treatment because they contributed to the software. Everyone has equal rights to use the software.
6. No Discrimination Against Fields Of Endeavor
With GPL software, you can create programs that help people in fields such as medicine, science, education, etc.
7. Non-Commercial And Not For Profit
You can use GPL software for non-commercial purposes. That means you can use it to develop websites, blogs, forums, etc.
8. Share Alike
If you redistribute GPL software, you must give the recipients all the rights you had when you first used the software.
What Does the GPL Mean for WordPress?
As mentioned above, General Public License (GPL) means that you can use WordPress to the fullest extent. With GPL, you can:
• Create themes and plugins
• Modify the core files
• Make commercial products based on WordPress
• Sell those products
• Give away the modified versions of WordPress
• Distribute the modified versions of WordPress under GPL
• Release your modifications back into the community
• Receive updates and support
• Contribute back to the community
How Can I Get Started Using General Public License?
GPL is easy to use. All you need to do is follow these steps:
1. Download the latest version of WordPress from WordPress.org
2. Install WordPress locally (on your computer)
3. Copy the contents of the downloaded zip file over to your local installation directory
4. Follow the steps mentioned ahead.
Are the WordPress themes and plugins also authorized by GPL?
Yes! As long as the theme or plugin is downloaded from WordPress.org, it will be considered authorized by a GPL license. As GPL allows you to work to an extent on the WordPress platform, it also allows you to dive deep into making custom themes and plugins.
Wrapping Up Words
In conclusion, the GNU General Public License (GPL) is a license that allows software developers to share their code freely. This means that if you write open-source software, anyone can use it without paying royalties. And because it’s free, everyone wins!
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