BSD vs. MIT

Attribute	BSD	MIT
License Type	Permissive	Permissive
Commercial Use	Yes	Yes
Modification	Allowed	Allowed
Distribution	Allowed	Allowed
Patent Grant	No	No
Trademark Use	No	No

Introduction

When it comes to open-source software licenses, two of the most popular choices are the BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) and MIT licenses. Both licenses are permissive in nature, allowing users to modify and distribute the software as they see fit. However, there are some key differences between the two licenses that developers should consider when choosing which one to use for their projects.

License Text

The BSD license is known for its simplicity and brevity. It consists of just a few paragraphs that outline the terms and conditions of use. The MIT license is similarly concise, with a short and straightforward text that grants users permission to use, modify, and distribute the software. Both licenses are considered to be easy to understand and apply, making them popular choices among developers.

Attribution Requirement

One key difference between the BSD and MIT licenses is the attribution requirement. The BSD license includes a clause that requires users to include a copy of the original copyright notice and disclaimer in all copies or substantial portions of the software. The MIT license, on the other hand, does not have any explicit attribution requirement, making it slightly more permissive in this regard.

Commercial Use

Both the BSD and MIT licenses allow for commercial use of the software, meaning that developers can incorporate the code into proprietary projects and sell the resulting products. This flexibility makes both licenses attractive options for businesses looking to leverage open-source software in their products without being restricted by complex licensing terms.

Modification and Distribution

Another important aspect to consider when comparing the BSD and MIT licenses is the freedom to modify and distribute the software. Both licenses grant users the right to modify the code and distribute it under the same license terms. This means that developers can build upon the original software and share their improvements with the community without any restrictions.

Copyleft Compatibility

One factor that may influence a developer's choice between the BSD and MIT licenses is their compatibility with copyleft licenses such as the GNU General Public License (GPL). The BSD license is considered to be more compatible with copyleft licenses, as it allows for the code to be incorporated into projects with more restrictive licensing terms. The MIT license, while still permissive, may not be as easily combined with copyleft licenses due to its lack of explicit copyleft provisions.

Community Support

Both the BSD and MIT licenses have strong support within the open-source community. Many popular projects, such as FreeBSD and LLVM, are released under the BSD license, while others, like jQuery and Ruby on Rails, use the MIT license. Developers can find a wealth of resources and documentation for both licenses, making it easy to understand and comply with their terms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BSD and MIT licenses are both excellent choices for developers looking to release their software as open source. While they share many similarities in terms of permissiveness and simplicity, there are some key differences to consider, such as the attribution requirement and copyleft compatibility. Ultimately, the choice between the two licenses will depend on the specific needs and goals of the project, but developers can rest assured that both licenses provide a solid foundation for sharing and collaborating on code.