this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2023
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Question regarding license choice for my program (lemmy.world)
submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by Zion@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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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@lemmy.world 4 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

I replied to a similar question below. Here it is:

Thanks. To be honest, I couldn't care less if people use parts of my code in commercial programs.

The only thing I'm trying to prevent is someone taking the entire project, changing some strings and icons and releasing a paid Android version based on my work. Especially as I will be releasing mobile versions myself after the desktop versions for free.

[–] Dirk@lemmy.ml 4 points 10 months ago

The only thing I’m trying to prevent is someone taking the entire project, changing some strings and icons and releasing a paid Android version based on my work.

Yeah, but why. If you "don't care about commercial use", why you care about commercial use?

Oh, and to stay on topic: Use GPLv3. It does prevent that. If you actually do not care, use the MIT license.