In: Computer Science
What are some key differences between General Public License v2.0 and Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0)?
Some key differences between General Public License v2.0
and Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0):
General Public License v2.0:
* It refers to GNU's Not Unix (GNU) General Public License (GPL) or
GNU GPLv2.
* It is a copyleft license.
* Any and all GPL-licensed component using the software must
release its full source code and all rights for modifying and
distributing its entire code. The entire software is considered a
‘work based on’ a GPL.
* It is one of the most popular open-source licenses.
* GPL was created for protecting the GNU software so it is not made
proprietary.
* One is not allowed for claiming patents or copyright on the
software.
* One is not allowed for changing the license or introducing
additional terms and conditions.
* It is a series of widely used free software.
* A company or an organization can internally use GPL's code.
* GNU General Public License provides one of his/her freedom for
sharing and changing the free software.
Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0):
* It does not impose terms as a copyleft license.
* It does not impose terms on the software using Apache Licensed
component to release its full source code and all rights for
modifying and distributing its entire code.
* You are not forced or mandated legally or by any policy for
releasing your modified version.
* You could opt for releasing your modified version under a
different license.
* You must retain the Apache License for the code's unmodified
parts, though.
* Apache License 2.0 is not compatible with GPLv2, because of the
restriction terminating the grant of patent rights in case the
license sues over patent infringement.
* It is a permissive free software license.
* It allows one to license and release his/her own software under
the Apache license.
* One can sell any Apache licensed software or code.