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4  <TITLE>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</TITLE>  <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en">
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8  <H3>The Free Software Definition</H3>  <meta http-equiv="content-type" content='text/html; charset=utf-8' />
9    <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/gnu.css" />
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13    <!-- This document is in XML, and xhtml 1.0 -->
14  [  <!-- Please make sure to properly nest your tags -->
15    <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  <!-- and ensure that your final document validates -->
16  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  <!-- consistent with W3C xhtml 1.0 and CSS standards -->
17  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  <!-- See validator.w3.org -->
18  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  
19  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  <body>
20  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  
21  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  <p><a href="#translations">Translations</a> of this page</p>
22  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  
23  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  <h3>The Free Software Definition</h3>
24  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  <p>
25  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  <a href="/graphics/philosophicalgnu.html"><img src="/graphics/philosophical-gnu-sm.jpg" alt=" [image of a Philosophical Gnu] " width="160" height="200" /></a>
26  ]  </p>
 <P>  
27    
28    <p>
29  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be
30  true about a particular software program for it to be considered  true about a particular software program for it to be considered
31  ``free software''.  free software.</p>
32    <p>
 <P>  
   
33  ``Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand the  ``Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand the
34  concept, you should think of ``free'' as in ``free speech,'' not as in  concept, you should think of ``free'' as in ``free speech,'' not as in
35  ``free beer.''  ``free beer.''</p>
36  <P>  <p>
37  ``Free software'' refers to the users' freedom to run, copy,  Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy,
38  distribute, study, change and improve the software.  More precisely,  distribute, study, change and improve the software.  More precisely,
39  it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:  it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:</p>
 <P>  
40    
41  <UL>  <ul>
42    <LI>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).    <li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>
43    <LI>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs    <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs
44        (freedom 1).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        (freedom 1).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.</li>
45    <LI>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor    <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
46        (freedom 2).        (freedom 2).</li>
47    <LI>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements    <li>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements
48       to the public, so that the whole community benefits.       to the public, so that the whole community benefits
49        (freedom 3).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        (freedom 3).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.</li>
50  </UL>  </ul>
51    
52  <P>  <p>
53  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.
54  Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or  Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or
55  without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for  without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for
56  distribution, to <A HREF="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</A>.  Being  distribution, to <a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>.  Being
57  free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not  free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not
58  have to ask or pay for permission.  have to ask or pay for permission.</p>
59    <p>
 <P>  
60  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them
61  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they
62  exist.  If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to  exist.  If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to
63  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.</p>
64    <p>
 <P>  
65  The freedom to use a program means the freedom for any kind of person  The freedom to use a program means the freedom for any kind of person
66  or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind  or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind
67  of overall job, and without being required to communicate subsequently  of overall job, and without being required to communicate subsequently
68  with the developer or any other specific entity.  with the developer or any other specific entity.</p>
69    <p>
 <P>  
70  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable
71  forms of the program, as well as source code.  (It is ok if there is  forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and
72  no way to produce a binary or executable form, but people must have  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is
73  the freedom to redistribute such forms should they find a way to make  necessary for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is
74  them.)  ok if there is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a
75    certain program (since some languages don't support that feature), but
76  <P>  you must have the freedom to redistribute such forms should you find
77    or develop a way to make them.</p>
78    <p>
79  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved
80  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of
81  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary
82  condition for free software.  condition for free software.</p>
83    <p>
 <P>  
84  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as
85  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the
86  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give
87  cause, the software is not free.  cause, the software is not free.</p>
88    <p>
 <P>  
89  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
90  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
91  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that
92  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny
93  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with
94  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.</p>
95    <p>
96  <P>  You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you
 Thus, you may have paid money to get copies of GNU software, or you  
97  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got
98  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the
99  software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>.  software, even to <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.</p>
100    <p>
 <P>  
101  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program
102  must be available for commercial use.  Commercial development of free  must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and
103  software is no longer unusual; such programs are free commercial  commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software is
104  software.  no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.</p>
105    <p>
 <P>  
106  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they
107  don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions.  don't substantively block your freedom to release modified versions.
108  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must
109  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the
110  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of
111  whether to publish the program or not.)  whether to publish the program or not.)  It is also acceptable for the
112    license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version
113  <P>  and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you must send one,
114  In the GNU project, we use <A HREF="/copyleft/copyleft.html">  or that you identify yourself on your modifications.</p>
115  ``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  <p>
116  <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">  In the GNU project, we use <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">``copyleft''</a>
117  non-copylefted free software</A> also exists.  We believe there are  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But
118  important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is  <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">non-copylefted
119  better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free  free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are
120  software, we can still use it.  important reasons why <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is
121    better to use copyleft</a>, but if your program is non-copylefted free
122  <P>  software, we can still use it.</p>
123  See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software  <p>
124         (18k characters)</A>  See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a>
125  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and
126  other categories of software relate to each other.  other categories of software relate to each other.</p>
127    <p>
128  <P>  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control
129  Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control  regulations</a> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to
 regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to  
130  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do
131  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but
132  what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of  what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of
133  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect
134  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.</p>
135    <p>
136  <P>  Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are
137    limits on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.
138    If a copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described
139    above, it is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never
140    anticipated (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some
141    free software licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can
142    impose a much larger range of possible restrictions.  That means there
143    are many possible ways such a license could be unacceptably
144    restrictive and non-free.</p>
145    <p>
146    We can't possibly list all the possible contract restrictions that
147    would be unacceptable.  If a contract-based license restricts the user
148    in an unusual way that copyright-based licenses cannot, and which
149    isn't mentioned here as legitimate, we will have to think about it,
150    and we will probably decide it is non-free.</p>
151    <p>
152  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like
153  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the
154  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as
155  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See <A  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
156  HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases  <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases
157  that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms.  that are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.
158  We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations  We also have a list of <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations
159  of "free software"</A> into various languages.  of "free software"</a> into various languages.</p>
160    <p>
 <P>  
   
161  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
162  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To
163  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free
# Line 162  software license, we judge it based on t Line 165  software license, we judge it based on t
165  whether it fits their spirit as well as the precise words.  If a  whether it fits their spirit as well as the precise words.  If a
166  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we
167  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license
168  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought before we  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought,
169  can decide if the requirement is acceptable, including discussions  including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the
170  with a lawyer.  When we reach a conclusion, we sometimes update these  requirement is acceptable.  When we reach a conclusion about a new
171  criteria to make it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't  issue, we often update these criteria to make it easier to see why
172  qualify.  certain licenses do or don't qualify.</p>
173    <p>
 <P>  
   
174  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a
175  free software license, see our <A  free software license, see our <a
176  HREF="/philosophy/license-list.html"> list of licenses </A>.  If the  href="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</a>.  If the
177  license you are concerned with is not listed there, you can ask us  license you are concerned with is not listed there, you can ask us
178  about it by sending us email at <A  about it by sending us email at <a
179  HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</A>.  href="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</a>.</p> <p>
180    If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the FSF
181    by writing to that address. The proliferation of different free
182    software licenses means increased work for users in understanding the
183    licenses; we may be able to help you find an existing Free Software
184    license that meets your needs.
185    </p>
186    
187    <p>
188    If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our
189    help you can ensure that the license really is a Free Software license
190    and avoid various practical problems.
191    </p>
192    <hr />
193    
194    <p>
195    Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean
196    something close (but not identical) to "free software".  We prefer the
197    term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom
198    rather than price, <a href="free-software-for-freedom.html">it calls
199    to mind freedom</a>.  The word "open" never does that.</p>
200    
201    <hr />
202    <h4><a href="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</a></h4>
203    
204    
205    <!-- All pages on the GNU web server should have the section about    -->
206    <!-- verbatim copying.  Please do NOT remove this without talking     -->
207    <!-- with the webmasters first. -->
208    <!-- Please make sure the copyright date is consistent with the document -->
209    <!-- and that it is like this "2001, 2002" not this "2001-2002." -->
210    
211    <div class="translations">
212    <p><a id="translations"></a>
213    <b>Translations of this page</b>:<br />
214    
215    <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical, and in the original -->
216    <!-- language if possible, otherwise default to English -->
217    <!-- If you do not have it English, please comment what the -->
218    <!-- English is.  If you add a new language here, please -->
219    <!-- advise web-trans@gnu.org and add it to -->
220    <!--    - in /home/www/bin/nightly-vars either TAGSLANG or WEBLANG -->
221    <!--    - in /home/www/html/server/standards/README.translations.html -->
222    <!--      one of the lists under the section "Translations Underway" -->
223    <!--    - if there is a translation team, you also have to add an alias -->
224    <!--      to mail.gnu.org:/com/mailer/aliases -->
225    <!-- Please also check you have the 2 letter language code right versus -->
226    <!--     http://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/IG/ert/iso639.htm -->
227    [
228    <!-- Chinese (Simplified) -->
229      <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cn.html">&#x7b80;&#x4f53;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>
230    
231  <HR>  <!-- Chinese (Traditional) -->
232    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh.html">&#x7e41;&#x9ad4;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>
233    
234  <H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4>  | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">&#x010c;esky</a>        <!-- Czech -->
235    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">Dansk</a>       <!-- Danish -->
236    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">Deutsch</a>     <!-- German -->
237    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</a>
238    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Espa&#x00f1;ol</a>      <!-- Spanish -->
239    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">Fran&#x00e7;ais</a>     <!-- French -->
240    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galego</a>      <!-- Galician -->
241    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">&#x05e2;&#x05d1;&#x05e8;&#x05d9;&#x05ea;</a>    <!-- Hebrew -->
242    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Hrvatski</a>    <!-- Croatian -->
243    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a>    <!-- Indonesian -->
244    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italiano</a>    <!-- Italian -->
245    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">&#x65e5;&#x672c;&#x8a9e;</a>    <!-- Japanese -->
246    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">&#xd55c;&#xad6d;&#xc5b4;</a>    <!-- Korean -->
247    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Magyar</a>      <!-- Hungarian -->
248    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a>  <!-- Dutch -->
249    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norsk</a>       <!-- Norwegian -->
250    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polski</a>      <!-- Polish -->
251    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portugu&#x0ea;s</a>     <!-- Portuguese -->
252    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">Rom&#x00e2;n&#x00e3;</a>        <!-- Romanian -->
253    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">&#1056;&#1091;&#1089;&#1089;&#1082;&#1080;&#1081;</a> <!-- Russian -->
254    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">Slovinsko</a>   <!--- Slovenian -->
255    | <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">T&#x00fc;rk&#x00e7;e</a>        <!-- Turkish -->
256    ]
257    </p>
258    </div>
259    
260  <P>  <div class="copyright">
261  Another group has started using the term <A  <p>
262  HREF="free-software-for-freedom.html"> open source</A> to mean  Return to the <a href="/home.html">GNU Project home page</a>.
263  something close (but not identical) to "free software".  </p>
264    
265  <HR>  <p>
266    Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
267  Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>.  <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><em>gnu@gnu.org</em></a>.
268  <P>  There are also <a href="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to contact</a>
269  FSF &amp; GNU inquiries &amp; questions to  the FSF.
270  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  <br />
271  Other <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">ways to contact</A> the FSF.  Please send broken links and other corrections (or suggestions) to
272  <P>  <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><em>webmasters@gnu.org</em></a>.
273  Comments on these web pages to  </p>
274  <A HREF="mailto:webmasters@www.gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@www.gnu.org</EM></A>,  
275  send other questions to  <p>
276  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  Please see the
277  <P>  <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
278  Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.,  README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting
279  59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111,  USA  translations of this article.
280  <P>  </p>
281    
282    <p>
283    Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Free
284    Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA
285    02111,  USA
286    <br />
287  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is
288  permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.<P>  permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is
289    preserved.
290    </p>
291    
292    <p>
293  Updated:  Updated:
294  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
295  $Date$ $Author$  $Date$ $Author$
296  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
297  <HR>  </p>
298  </BODY>  </div>
299  </HTML>  
300    </body>
301    </html>
Legend:
Removed from v.1.3  
changed lines
  Added in v.1.31
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