What Is GPL?
GPL Mama
Last Update 2 dagen geleden
Imagine you’ve built a toy robot and told everyone:
“Feel free to play with this robot, examine its parts, modify its design, and share your improved version with others!”
That’s precisely the spirit of the General Public License (GPL) for software. Created by Richard Stallman for the GNU Project, the GPL ensures that software remains free to use, study, modify, and redistribute.
Why WordPress and GPL Mama Rely on GPL
WordPress itself is distributed under the GPL. This means anyone can:
Download and install WordPress at no cost
Customize its code to fit individual needs
Share the original or modified versions with others
Contribute improvements back to the community
At GPL Mama, we curate and maintain a library of GPL-licensed themes and plugins so you can access, install, and update them effortlessly—while respecting the freedom GPL grants.
Core Freedoms of the GPL
Under the GPL, you are entitled to:
Use the software for any purpose.
Modify the source code to tailor it.
Redistribute exact copies to others.
Distribute your modified versions, provided you include the same freedoms and source code.
This “share-alike” principle ensures that every recipient retains the same rights you enjoyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is “Copyleft”?
Copyright ordinarily restricts copying and modification. Copyleft, by contrast, grants those rights under the condition that any redistributed versions remain under GPL. If you build on GPL code, your work must also be GPL-licensed.
2. Can GPL Products Be Sold?
Yes. You may charge for distributing GPL-licensed software—either the original or your modifications. However, “free” in the context of GPL refers to freedom of use, not price. As Richard Stallman clarified, it’s “free as in free speech,” not “free as in free beer.”
3. Is GPL Safe?
Absolutely. The GPL is solely a license outlining how software may be used, modified, and shared; it does not affect software security or introduce vulnerabilities.
4. Must I Release My Modified Source Code?
Only if you distribute your modified version to others. For private, internal use, you are not required to publish your changes.
5. What’s the Difference Between GPLv2 and GPLv3?
Loophole Closure: GPLv3 addresses scenarios where changes could be withheld (the “ASP loophole”).
License Compatibility: GPLv3 is more compatible with other open-source licenses, facilitating broader collaboration.
Internationalization: The wording of GPLv3 was refined for clearer interpretation under diverse legal systems globally.
Key GPL Requirements
When distributing GPL-licensed software (original or modified), you must:
Include the full source code or a written offer to provide it.
Preserve all copyright notices, disclaimers of warranty, and license texts.
Retain the GPL license; you cannot impose additional restrictions.
Please note: This overview is informational and does not constitute legal advice. For detailed guidance, consult a qualified attorney.
GPL Mama’s Role
GPL software is inherently free. At GPL Mama, we do not sell the software itself—we provide:
A curated, up-to-date repository of GPL themes and plugins
Continuous monitoring for updates and compatibility
A streamlined interface for searching, downloading, and installing
Your subscription covers our operational costs—hosting, maintenance, and support—so you can focus on building your site, not hunting down updates.
GPL will always remain free. At GPL Mama, we simply power the service that brings it to you.