Python Software Foundation License

The Python Software Foundation License (PSFL) is a BSD-style, permissive free software license which is compatible with the GNU General Public License (GPL).[1] Its primary use is for distribution of the Python project software. Unlike the GPL the Python license is not a copyleft license, and allows modified versions to be distributed without source code. The PSFL is listed as approved on both FSF's approved licenses list,[1] and OSI's approved licenses list.

Python Software Foundation License
SPDX identifierPSF-2.0
Debian FSG compatibleYes
FSF approvedYes[1]
OSI approvedYes
GPL compatibleYes[1]
CopyleftNo
Guido van Rossum

In 2000, Python (specifically version 2.1) was briefly available under the 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", which the GPL does not permit.[2]

Guido van Rossum, Python's creator, was awarded the 2001 Free Software Foundation Award for the Advancement of Free Software[3] for changing the license to fix this incompatibility.

See also

References
  1. Stallman, Richard. "Various Licenses and Comments about Them, new Python license". Free Software Foundation. Retrieved 2007-07-07.
  2. Stallman, Richard. "Various Licenses and Comments about Them, old Python license". Free Software Foundation. Retrieved 2007-07-07.
  3. "2001 Free Software Awards". GNU Project - Free Software Foundation. Retrieved 2007-07-07.
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