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Is there a benefit in using GPL for text editors?

by kyykky 3y ago

kleiba 3y ago
Only the same benefit as for any software.
lupusreal 3y ago
It prevents the editor from (legally) becoming proprietary software which deprives users of their software freedoms.
- Jtsummers 3y ago
  I suspect that if someone is in a position where they are compelled to purchase and use the proprietary version and not the free (and available) version, they already lack most software freedoms. Probably several other, more important, freedoms as well.
globular-toast 3y ago
Licences like MIT optimise individual freedom: they give each user the freedom to do anything including restricting the freedom of others. Licences like GPL optimise community freedom: they give each user the freedom to do anything except restricting the freedom of others. Think of it like local vs global optimisation.
- GrumpySloth 3y ago
  MIT doesn’t give anyone the ability to restrict the freedom of others. When you fork a project and use a difference licence for it, the original project remains under MIT.
- roenxi 3y ago
  Although I agree, notice that the only act the GPL compels someone to do is to hand over the source code with the program. MIT doesn't give people a freedom to restrict because that isn't a freedom. The restriction is always done by the legal system. The GPL is just an attempt to stop the legal system from interfering in the market to restrict user freedom. So both licenses are actually communicating to a 3rd party (a judge) under what circumstances they should restrict the freedom of others. GPL says to stay out of it as long as people are sharing their source code and MIT says get involved sometimes/its complicated. It isn't a practical difference, but it is philosophically important. The amount of personal freedom both licenses give is technically quite similar.
  - globular-toast 3y ago
    That's right, the GPL and other copyleft licences in fact aim to disable copyright, this restoring us back to how things should be with no copyright.

Is there a benefit in using GPL for text editors?

by kyykky 3y ago

Is there a benefit in using GPL for text editors?

kleiba 3y ago

Only the same benefit as for any software.

lupusreal 3y ago

It prevents the editor from (legally) becoming proprietary software which deprives users of their software freedoms.

Jtsummers 3y ago
I suspect that if someone is in a position where they are compelled to purchase and use the proprietary version and not the free (and available) version, they already lack most software freedoms. Probably several other, more important, freedoms as well.

globular-toast 3y ago

Licences like MIT optimise individual freedom: they give each user the freedom to do anything including restricting the freedom of others. Licences like GPL optimise community freedom: they give each user the freedom to do anything except restricting the freedom of others. Think of it like local vs global optimisation.

GrumpySloth 3y ago
MIT doesn’t give anyone the ability to restrict the freedom of others. When you fork a project and use a difference licence for it, the original project remains under MIT.
roenxi 3y ago
Although I agree, notice that the only act the GPL compels someone to do is to hand over the source code with the program. MIT doesn't give people a freedom to restrict because that isn't a freedom. The restriction is always done by the legal system. The GPL is just an attempt to stop the legal system from interfering in the market to restrict user freedom. So both licenses are actually communicating to a 3rd party (a judge) under what circumstances they should restrict the freedom of others. GPL says to stay out of it as long as people are sharing their source code and MIT says get involved sometimes/its complicated. It isn't a practical difference, but it is philosophically important. The amount of personal freedom both licenses give is technically quite similar.
- globular-toast 3y ago
  That's right, the GPL and other copyleft licences in fact aim to disable copyright, this restoring us back to how things should be with no copyright.