General Public License

The General Public License (GPL) is a free, open-source software license that was created by the Free Software Foundation (FSF). The GPL allows users to run, study, modify and distribute software under certain conditions.

One of the key requirements of the GPL is that any software that is derived from GPL-licensed software must also be licensed under the GPL, ensuring that the software remains free and open-source. This requirement is known as "copyleft."

The GPL has been widely adopted by the open-source community and is used for many popular projects, including the Linux operating system and the GNU Compiler Collection.

The GPL has also been the subject of some controversy, with some developers and companies criticizing its "copyleft" provisions as too restrictive. However, proponents of the GPL argue that it is essential for maintaining the principles of open-source software and ensuring that users have access to the source code and the freedom to modify and distribute it.

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