The Free Software Definition

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The Free Software Definition is a definition published by Free Software Foundation (FSF) for what constitutes free software. The earliest known publication of the definition was in the February 1986 edition[1] of the now-discontinued GNU's Bulletin publication of FSF. The canonical source for the document is on the website of the GNU Project, in the philosophy section. As of January 2007, it is officially published in 33 languages. FSF publishes a list of licences which meet this definition.

Contents

The definition published by FSF in February 1986 had two points:

The word "free" in our name does not refer to price; it refers to freedom. First, the freedom to copy a program and redistribute it to your neighbors, so that they can use it as well as you. Second, the freedom to change a program, so that you can control it instead of it controlling you; for this, the source code must be made available to you.[1]

The modern definition has four points, which it numbers zero to three. It defines free software by whether or not the recipient has the freedoms to:[2]

  • run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0)
  • study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1)
  • redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2)
  • improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3)

It also notes that "Access to the source code is a precondition" for freedoms 1 and 3.

  1. ^ a b GNU's Bulletin, Volume 1 Number 1, page 8.
  2. ^ The Free Software Definition. Retrieved on 2007-06-18.

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