The General Public License (GPL) is like salt and pepper to open-source software. Like that grated Parmesan covering your penne, the GPL has sprinkled its way over many a WordPress plugin. And allowing everyday users like you and me to partake in the benefits of open source – using, modifying, and sharing these plugins as we please. But just as too much cheese can make a dish overly rich, the copyleft clause baked into the GPL can cause some indigestion if we don’t understand its implications.
By reading the below article, you will get to know, how to safely savor the flavors of GPL plugins without overdoing it.
What are the Requirements of GPL Plugins?
General Public License requirements
If you distribute or modify a GPL plugin, you must comply with the following requirements:
- Include the entire text of the GPL license with your distribution.
- Make available the original open-source code
- Make any derivative works available under the GPL.
These copyleft restrictions aid in the preservation of GPL code by prohibiting proprietary forks. You are allowed to use and modify GPL plugins, but not distribute a modified product under a proprietary license.
Using Free Software Plugins on a Website
Installing and utilizing GPL plugins on your website does not automatically make your whole site GPL. The GPL only covers the plugin code. Your original content, theme, and other code will be kept private.
GPL plugins may be used on client sites or commercial projects without having to open-source your whole website. The only need is for the plugin GPL to remain intact. Removing the license wording or copyrights would be a violation of the conditions.
Modified GPL Plugins Distribution
If you wish to alter and redistribute GPL Licensed Plugins, things get trickier. Assume you fork a GPL plugin, add functionality, and want to sell your modified version. You must release your derivative work under the GPL and make the source code public since it incorporates GPL code.
Because you cannot transform GPL code into a private product, selling the plugin alone would be a violation of the GPL. Instead, you’d have to meet the “copyleft” standards by incorporating the GPL license and exposing the source code.
You can additionally dual-license the plugin under the GPL and a commercial license. This enables you to provide the core open-source version under the GPL while offering commercial versions or add-ons.
Using GPL Code in a Commercial Plugin
Incorporating GPL code into a proprietary plugin that you want to sell or restrict via license raises compliance concerns. The whole derivative work must be GPL-licensed.
To prevent this, divide GPL code into distinct files or functions that may be easily deleted and changed. Any code that is unique stays proprietary, but incorporating GPL code necessitates compliance.
When the GPL Code Causes Concern
GPL plugins should be used with care in the following situations:
- Government, military, or other sensitive applications – the GPL may mandate complete source code disclosure.
- Copyleft may apply to devices or physical goods, as well as full systems.
- Private plugins or themes – incorporating GPL code necessitates compliance
Before employing plugins in proprietary software or specialized applications, make sure you understand the GPL licensing requirements
Respecting the GPL
You know that feeling when you’re working on a group project and everyone is contributing ideas, sharing materials, and building off each other’s strengths? That sense of teamwork and openness creates something so much more amazing than anyone could do alone. While this may generate some difficult issues, you may utilize GPL plugins with confidence if you follow the terms:
- Do not delete any license or copyright information.
- Give credit to the original creators.
- Distribute any improvements made under the GPL.
- Do not include GPL code in proprietary releases.
There are lots of Popular Plugins available which allow you to use Open-Source software. Just keep the distribution and copyleft restrictions in mind.
Final Thoughts
One of the greatest methods for increasing the functionality of your WordPress site is to use GPL plugins. You may use them on business sites with confidence without having to open-source your code. Respecting credit and maintaining plugin integrations open source is key to complying with the GPL. You can take full benefit of GPL plugins if you have a basic comprehension of the licensing rules!
