GPL vs. MPL v2

Attribute	GPL	MPL v2
License Type	Copyleft	Weak Copyleft
Compatibility with other licenses	Less compatible	More compatible
Derived Works	Must be under GPL	Can be under different license
Dynamic Linking	Requires source code availability	Allows proprietary code

Introduction

When it comes to open source licenses, two popular choices are the GNU General Public License (GPL) and the Mozilla Public License version 2.0 (MPL v2). Both licenses have their own set of attributes and restrictions that developers need to consider when choosing which one to use for their projects.

License Scope

The GPL is a copyleft license, which means that any derivative works must also be licensed under the GPL. This ensures that the code remains open source and freely available to the community. On the other hand, the MPL v2 is a weak copyleft license, which allows developers to combine MPL-licensed code with code under other licenses, as long as the MPL-licensed code remains under the MPL.

Compatibility

One of the key differences between the GPL and the MPL v2 is their compatibility with other licenses. The GPL is known for its strict copyleft provisions, which can make it incompatible with some proprietary licenses. On the other hand, the MPL v2 is designed to be more permissive and is often considered more compatible with other licenses, making it a popular choice for projects that want to combine open source and proprietary code.

Distribution Requirements

Both the GPL and the MPL v2 have specific requirements when it comes to distributing the code. The GPL requires that any modifications to the code be made available to the community under the same license. This can be a deterrent for some developers who want to keep their modifications private. The MPL v2, on the other hand, only requires that any changes to the MPL-licensed code be made available to the original author, giving developers more flexibility in how they distribute their code.

Patent Grants

Another important aspect to consider when choosing between the GPL and the MPL v2 is the patent grants included in each license. The GPL does not include any explicit patent grants, which can leave developers vulnerable to patent infringement claims. The MPL v2, on the other hand, includes a patent grant that protects developers from patent claims related to the code covered by the license, providing an added layer of protection for developers.

Community and Governance

Both the GPL and the MPL v2 have strong communities of developers who support and contribute to projects under these licenses. However, the governance structures of these licenses differ. The GPL is managed by the Free Software Foundation, which has a strict set of guidelines for how the license can be used. The MPL v2, on the other hand, is managed by the Mozilla Foundation, which has a more flexible approach to licensing and allows for more customization of the license terms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the GPL and the MPL v2 depends on the specific needs and goals of the project. The GPL is a strong copyleft license that ensures the code remains open source, while the MPL v2 is a weak copyleft license that offers more flexibility in how the code can be used and distributed. Developers should carefully consider the attributes of each license before making a decision on which one to use for their projects.