GPL-2 vs. GPL-3

Attribute	GPL-2	GPL-3
License Version	2	3
Compatibility with GPL-1	No	Yes
Compatibility with Apache License 2.0	No	Yes
Compatibility with AGPL	No	Yes
Compatibility with LGPL	Yes	Yes
Patent Clause	No	Yes

Introduction

The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely used free software license that ensures the software remains free and open-source. There are different versions of the GPL, with GPL-2 and GPL-3 being two of the most popular ones. In this article, we will compare the attributes of GPL-2 and GPL-3 to help you understand the differences between the two licenses.

License Scope

One of the key differences between GPL-2 and GPL-3 is the scope of the license. GPL-2 is more focused on software distribution and modification, while GPL-3 expands its scope to cover additional areas such as hardware and patents. This means that GPL-3 provides more comprehensive protection for developers and users compared to GPL-2.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility with other licenses, GPL-2 is known to be more compatible with a wider range of licenses compared to GPL-3. This is because GPL-3 includes additional provisions that may not be compatible with some other open-source licenses. Developers need to carefully consider the compatibility of their chosen license when deciding between GPL-2 and GPL-3.

Patent Protection

GPL-3 includes specific provisions related to patent protection that are not present in GPL-2. These provisions are designed to prevent patent agreements from being used to undermine the freedoms granted by the GPL. This makes GPL-3 a better choice for developers who want to ensure their software remains free from patent restrictions.

Termination

Another important difference between GPL-2 and GPL-3 is the way they handle termination of the license. GPL-2 includes a provision that allows the license to be terminated if the licensee violates its terms. In contrast, GPL-3 includes additional safeguards to prevent the license from being terminated in certain situations, providing more stability and certainty for developers.

Internationalization

GPL-3 includes provisions that make it more suitable for international use compared to GPL-2. These provisions address issues such as jurisdiction and language, making GPL-3 a more globally applicable license. Developers who want to distribute their software internationally may find GPL-3 to be a better choice due to its internationalization features.

Enforcement

When it comes to enforcement of the license terms, GPL-3 includes stronger enforcement mechanisms compared to GPL-2. This means that developers who choose GPL-3 have more tools at their disposal to enforce compliance with the license terms, providing greater protection for their software and ensuring that it remains free and open-source.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both GPL-2 and GPL-3 are popular choices for developers who want to release their software as free and open-source. While GPL-2 is more focused on software distribution and modification, GPL-3 expands its scope to cover additional areas such as hardware and patents. Developers need to carefully consider the differences between GPL-2 and GPL-3 to choose the license that best suits their needs and goals.