PHP License facts for kids
| Version | 3.01 |
|---|---|
| Copyright | The PHP Group |
| DFSG compatible | No |
| Free software | Yes |
| OSI approved | Yes |
| GPL compatible | No |
| Copyfree | No |
| Copyleft | No |
The PHP License is like a set of rules for using the PHP computer language. PHP is a popular language used to build websites. This license is an open-source license, which means anyone can see and use the code.
The main goal of the PHP License is to help many people use the PHP code. It lets you share the code, either in its original form or as a ready-to-use program. You can even change the code if you want to.
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Understanding the PHP License
The PHP License is a special kind of agreement. It allows people to freely use, change, and share the PHP computer language. This helps PHP become very popular and used by many developers around the world.
What is an Open-Source License?
An open-source license is like a permission slip for computer code. It means the code is available for anyone to see, use, and change. This is different from "closed-source" software, where only the creators can see and change the code.
How PHP License Works
The PHP License lets you do a few important things:
- You can share the PHP code with others.
- You can make changes to the code.
- You can use the code to create your own programs.
This freedom helps many people work together to improve PHP.
PHP License Versions
Over time, the PHP License has had different versions. These versions help guide how the PHP language can be used and shared.
PHP 3 and Dual Licensing
When PHP version 3 came out, it used something called a dual license. This meant you could use PHP 3 under either the PHP License or the GNU General Public License (GPL). The GPL is another famous open-source license.
Why PHP Dropped GPL
Starting with PHP version 4, the developers decided to stop using the GPL. They felt the GPL had too many rules about how the code could be reused. The PHP developers wanted their language to be as free as possible for everyone to use and change.
The Zend Engine License
The heart of PHP is called the Zend Engine. It's like the engine of a car, making PHP run. The Zend Engine has its own license, which is very similar to the PHP License. It also has rules about using the names "Zend" and "Zend Engine". It asks that if you use it, you mention it in your advertising.
See also
In Spanish: Licencia PHP para niños
- Apache License
- Software using the PHP license (category)
