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GPL =? FPF

I never understood how GPL licensed software qualified as “free” when numerous restrictions exist as part of that license.

RMS even wrote an article about how software should not limit its freedom to be run, but GPL software does limit.

It seems like RMS is actually describing MIT/BSD licenses, while having blinders to the shortcomings of his own licenses.

https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/programs-must-not-limit-freed...



How does the GPL limit the freedom to run? I think you might be misunderstanding it. The only limitations are on distribution: giving the code to others without giving them the sources.


GPL software imposes no limits for how it can be run. GPL only limits distribution, copying, development.


how does it limit development?


Need to release your own changes if you distribute the application.

Whether you're able to statically/dynamically link the library without also having to release your own source.


> Need to release your own changes if you distribute the application.

i'm not sure if this is true. if i released version 1.0 to licencees then i have to give them the source, but i don't think i have to give them version 1.1 source, unless i released that to them.




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