LGPL vs. MPL

Attribute	LGPL	MPL
License Type	Permissive	Copyleft
Compatibility with GPL	Compatible	Not compatible
Derivative Works	Can be proprietary	Must be open source
Dynamic Linking	Allowed	Allowed
Static Linking	Allowed	Allowed

LGPL Overview

The GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) is a free software license published by the Free Software Foundation. It is designed to allow developers to use open-source code in their projects while still maintaining some level of control over the distribution of their software. The LGPL is often used for libraries and other software components that are intended to be linked with proprietary software.

One of the key features of the LGPL is that it allows developers to use the licensed code in both open-source and proprietary projects. This means that developers can incorporate LGPL-licensed libraries into their proprietary software without having to release the source code of their entire project. However, any modifications made to the LGPL-licensed code itself must be released under the LGPL.

Another important aspect of the LGPL is that it includes a weak copyleft provision. This means that any modifications made to the LGPL-licensed code must be released under the same license. However, the LGPL does not extend this requirement to the entire project, allowing developers to keep their proprietary code separate from the LGPL-licensed code.

Overall, the LGPL strikes a balance between the goals of the open-source community and the needs of proprietary software developers. It allows for the creation of proprietary software that can benefit from open-source components while still respecting the principles of free software.

MPL Overview

The Mozilla Public License (MPL) is an open-source license developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It is designed to be a flexible and permissive license that allows developers to use, modify, and distribute open-source code while still protecting the rights of the original authors. The MPL is often used for software projects that are intended to be widely distributed and collaborated on.

One of the key features of the MPL is that it is a file-level copyleft license. This means that any modifications made to MPL-licensed code must be released under the MPL. However, the MPL does not extend this requirement to the entire project, allowing developers to combine MPL-licensed code with code under other licenses, including proprietary licenses.

Another important aspect of the MPL is that it includes a weak network copyleft provision. This means that if a developer modifies MPL-licensed code and distributes it over a network, they must make the source code of their modifications available to users. This provision is intended to ensure that users have access to the source code of any modifications made to MPL-licensed software.

Overall, the MPL is a permissive license that strikes a balance between the goals of the open-source community and the needs of developers who want to collaborate on software projects. It allows for the creation of software that can be freely shared and modified while still protecting the rights of the original authors.

Key Differences

While both the LGPL and MPL are open-source licenses that allow developers to use, modify, and distribute code, there are some key differences between the two licenses. One of the main differences is the copyleft provisions of the licenses. The LGPL is a weak copyleft license that only requires modifications to the licensed code itself to be released under the LGPL. In contrast, the MPL is a file-level copyleft license that requires modifications to MPL-licensed code to be released under the MPL.

Another key difference between the LGPL and MPL is the compatibility of the licenses with proprietary software. The LGPL is often used for libraries and other software components that are intended to be linked with proprietary software. The weak copyleft provision of the LGPL allows developers to incorporate LGPL-licensed code into their proprietary projects without having to release the source code of their entire project. On the other hand, the MPL is a more permissive license that allows developers to combine MPL-licensed code with code under other licenses, including proprietary licenses.

Additionally, the MPL includes a weak network copyleft provision that requires developers to make the source code of their modifications available to users if they distribute MPL-licensed code over a network. This provision is intended to ensure that users have access to the source code of any modifications made to MPL-licensed software. The LGPL does not include a similar provision, making it more permissive in this regard.

Overall, the choice between the LGPL and MPL will depend on the specific needs and goals of a software project. The LGPL is a good choice for developers who want to create proprietary software that incorporates open-source components, while the MPL is a good choice for developers who want to collaborate on open-source projects while still protecting their rights as authors.