The Mozilla Public License (MPL) is a free and open source software license developed and maintained by the Mozilla Foundation. It has played a significant role in the world of open source software, particularly due to its use by Mozilla for their flagship products like Firefox and Thunderbird.
History
- Version 1.0: The initial version of the MPL was introduced in 1998. It was designed to meet the needs of the Mozilla project when Netscape Navigator's source code was released to the public.
- Version 1.1: Released in 2004, this version addressed some of the issues with version 1.0, particularly in terms of compatibility with other open source licenses.
- Version 2.0: Published in 2012, this version underwent a significant overhaul to align more closely with other major open source licenses like GPL and Apache License. It made the license more compatible, which was essential for the growth and adoption of Mozilla's software.
Key Features
- File-Level Copyleft: Unlike licenses like the GPL, which apply copyleft to the entire work, MPL applies it on a file-by-file basis. This means that modifications to a file must be distributed under MPL, but other files in the project can remain under different licenses.
- Compatibility: MPL 2.0 is compatible with several other free and open source software licenses, allowing for easier integration of code from different sources.
- Patent Provisions: It includes explicit patent grants, which aim to reduce the risk of patent litigation for developers using or modifying the software.
- Source Code Requirement: The license requires that source code be made available when distributing modified versions of the software.
Context and Usage
The MPL was designed to balance the benefits of open source development with the commercial interests of companies contributing to open source projects. Here are some contexts where MPL is commonly used:
- Web Technologies: Given its origins, MPL is often associated with web technologies and browser-related software.
- Community Projects: It's used in community-driven projects where contributors might want to retain some control over their code or ensure that their contributions remain open source.
- Commercial Use: Companies find MPL appealing because it allows them to use open source software in proprietary products while still contributing back to the community.
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