Python Software Foundation License

Infobox software license
name = Python Software Foundation License


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OSI approved = Yes
Debian approved =
Free Software = Yes
GPL compatible = Yes
copyleft = No
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The Python Software Foundation License (PSFL) is a BSD-style, permissive free software license which is compatible with the GNU General Public License (GPL). Its primary use is for distribution of the Python project software. Unlike the GPL the Python license is not a copyleft licence, and allows modifications to the source code, as well as the construction of derivative works, without making the code open-source. The PSFL is listed as approved on both FSF's approved licenses list, and OSI's approved licenses list.

Earlier versions of Python were under the so-called Python License, which is incompatible with the GPL. The reason given for this incompatibility by Free Software Foundation was that "this Python license is governed by the laws of the 'State of Virginia', in the USA, and the GPL does not permit this." [ cite web|url=http://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-list.html#PythonOld |title=Various Licenses and Comments about Them |accessdate=2007-07-07 |last=Stallman |first=Richard |publisher=Free Software Foundation ]

The year that Python's creator Guido van Rossum changed the license to fix this incompatibility he was awarded the Free Software Foundation Award for the Advancement of Free Software. [ cite web|url=http://www.gnu.org/award/2001/2001.html |title=2001 Free Software Awards |accessdate=2007-07-07 |publisher=GNU Project - Free Software Foundation ]

External links

* [http://www.python.org/psf/license/ The Python Software Foundation License]
* [http://www.opensource.org/ Open Source Initiative (OSI)]

References