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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

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Question regarding license choice for my program (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by Zion to c/[email protected]

31 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hey fellow Linux enthusiasts.

I'm inching closer to releasing my program for Linux. I'll go into details on what the program is when I release it, as it's not really relevant to this question (IMHO).

Anyway, here are my prerequisites:

the program will be free. I will accept donations, but the program will be free to download and use.
open source.
I'm happy for others to use my code, as long as I'm credited.
I do not wish to allow others to use my code in commercial applications (as there will be mobile versions later, and I don't want clones selling it for money, as the mobile versions will also be free.

I'm looking for advice on the best code license to choose, based on my requirements. I'd also like it if my choice of license didn't prohibit my program from potentially being included in package managers.

I'm grateful for any advice. Thank you.

Edit

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've decided to not let my concerns overcome the most important thing of releasing the project as fully open source.

Just going to go with GPLv3 and not worry about the clones that will happen regardless of the license type, if the program becomes popular.

Thank you all for your insight and for helping me come to what I believe to be the best option.

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[–] Zion 1 points 1 year ago

This is true, but I've seen it happen to some projects that I follow. It seems like this is a similar situation to trying to prevent someone from decompiling a project... If they're determined enough, nothing will stop them.

I guess I need to just get over it and not let it get in the way of releasing the program as fully open source, as that goal is more important than the theoretical issue that I'm concerned with.

Thanks.