AGPL vs. GPLv3

Attribute	AGPL	GPLv3
License Type	Affero General Public License	GNU General Public License version 3
Copyleft	Strong copyleft	Strong copyleft
Derivative Works	Must be distributed under AGPL	Must be distributed under GPLv3
Network Use	Requires source code distribution for network use	Does not require source code distribution for network use
Compatibility	Not compatible with GPLv3	Compatible with AGPL

Introduction

When it comes to open source licenses, two of the most popular choices are the Affero General Public License (AGPL) and the GNU General Public License version 3 (GPLv3). Both licenses are designed to promote the sharing and collaboration of software code, but they have some key differences in their terms and conditions. In this article, we will compare the attributes of AGPL and GPLv3 to help you understand which license may be more suitable for your project.

Scope of Application

One of the main differences between AGPL and GPLv3 is the scope of their application. AGPL is specifically designed for software that is accessed over a network, such as web applications. This means that if you use AGPL for your project, anyone who interacts with your software over a network must also be able to access the corresponding source code. On the other hand, GPLv3 applies to all types of software, whether it is distributed over a network or not.

Derivative Works

Another important aspect to consider when choosing between AGPL and GPLv3 is how they treat derivative works. Under AGPL, any modifications or enhancements made to the original software must also be released under the same license. This ensures that the source code remains open and accessible to the community. In contrast, GPLv3 allows for the creation of derivative works that can be distributed under different licenses, as long as they comply with the terms of the original license.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility with other licenses, AGPL and GPLv3 have different implications. AGPL is considered a more restrictive license compared to GPLv3, which may limit its compatibility with other open source licenses. If you plan to combine AGPL-licensed code with code under a different license, you may need to carefully review the terms of both licenses to ensure they are compatible. On the other hand, GPLv3 is designed to be compatible with a wide range of open source licenses, making it easier to integrate with other projects.

Patent Protection

One of the key features of GPLv3 is its patent protection clause, which aims to prevent patent aggression against users of the software. This clause states that if a company sues a user of GPLv3-licensed software for patent infringement, they automatically lose the right to use the software. This provides an additional layer of protection for users and helps to promote a more collaborative and open source ecosystem. AGPL does not have a similar patent protection clause, which may be a consideration for projects that are concerned about patent issues.

Enforcement and Compliance

Enforcement and compliance are important considerations when choosing a software license. Both AGPL and GPLv3 have mechanisms in place to ensure that users comply with the terms of the license. However, the enforcement of AGPL may be more challenging due to its network copyleft provision, which requires users to share the corresponding source code when the software is accessed over a network. This can make it more difficult to track and enforce compliance compared to GPLv3, which has a more straightforward compliance process.

Community and Adoption

Community support and adoption are also important factors to consider when selecting a software license. GPLv3 is one of the most widely used open source licenses and has a large and active community of developers and contributors. This can provide valuable resources and support for projects that choose to use GPLv3. On the other hand, AGPL is a more niche license and may have a smaller community of users and contributors. This could impact the availability of resources and support for projects that opt for AGPL.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both AGPL and GPLv3 are popular open source licenses that offer unique benefits and considerations for software projects. The choice between AGPL and GPLv3 will depend on the specific needs and goals of your project, as well as your preferences for licensing terms and conditions. By understanding the key differences between AGPL and GPLv3, you can make an informed decision on which license is best suited for your project.