WordPress is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which is a widely used free software license. Understanding the implications of GPL on WordPress and its ecosystem is key to knowing how you can use, distribute, and modify the software. Here’s everything you need to know about WordPress and the GPL:
1. What is GPL?
The GNU General Public License (GPL) is an open-source license that guarantees users the freedom to:
- Run the software for any purpose.
- Study and modify the software as needed.
- Distribute copies of the software.
- Distribute modified versions of the software.
These freedoms ensure that WordPress and its derivatives are accessible to everyone and can be modified to meet specific needs.
2. Why WordPress is Licensed Under GPL
WordPress was derived from an earlier project called b2/cafelog, which was also licensed under GPL. Because of this, WordPress inherited the GPL license. The GPL is aligned with the vision of WordPress being free software for everyone. It encourages an open and collaborative development environment, where users can contribute and improve the software.
3. GPL’s Impact on WordPress Themes and Plugins
WordPress themes and plugins are also considered derivatives of WordPress and, therefore, should adhere to the GPL. This means:
- The PHP code in themes and plugins must be licensed under GPL or a compatible license.
- Developers cannot restrict the freedom to use, modify, or distribute the PHP code of their themes or plugins.
However, the non-PHP elements (such as CSS, JavaScript, and images) may be licensed differently. While it’s common to see these elements licensed separately, the community often encourages full GPL licensing for everything.
4. What GPL Means for Users
For users, the GPL gives the following rights:
- Freedom to use WordPress for any purpose, including commercial use.
- Access to the source code, allowing modifications and customizations.
- Freedom to share copies of WordPress or any GPL-licensed theme or plugin.
- Right to redistribute modified versions of the software.
5. GPL’s Impact on Premium Themes and Plugins
Premium themes and plugins often create confusion regarding the GPL. Developers can charge for:
- Access to premium products, which includes the service of providing the plugin or theme.
- Support and updates.
- Additional services beyond the product itself.
However, the PHP code of these premium products must still comply with the GPL, meaning that users are free to modify and redistribute the code, even after purchasing it.
6. GPL and WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
- WordPress.org is the self-hosted version of WordPress where users can download and modify the software under GPL.
- WordPress.com is a hosting platform run by Automattic, offering WordPress as a service. The software behind WordPress.com is also GPL-licensed, but the hosting service itself operates under different terms.
7. Can You Re-license WordPress?
No, you cannot re-license WordPress or any of its derivatives under a more restrictive license than GPL. This is important because any themes, plugins, or modifications based on WordPress must also be open and adhere to the same freedoms defined by the GPL.
8. Conclusion
The GPL ensures that WordPress remains an open and accessible platform for everyone. It empowers users and developers to modify, share, and improve the software while maintaining a collaborative and free software ecosystem. If you’re working with WordPress, it’s important to understand and respect the GPL’s rules, especially if you’re developing themes or plugins.
For further information, you can review the full text of the GPL license.