Open Source License Chart

Summary

This chart provides an overview of the most common open source licenses and highlights key similarities and differences among each license type. Open source licenses are often categorized into two larger categories: copyleft and permissive. Copyleft licenses, also referred to as reciprocal licenses, are generally more restrictive and require code derived from the original to be licensed under the same license terms. Permissive licenses allow for more freedom in use and distribution and generally have fewer license restrictions. The chart below presents common copyleft licenses first, followed by permissive licenses. Weak copyleft licenses have conditions or exceptions to whether that license will require copyleft treatment.