What is the GPL License?

The GPL License, or General Public License (often referred to as the GNU GPL), is one of the most widely used free software licenses today.

Originally written by Richard Stallman of the Free Software Foundation for the GNU project, the GPL allows anyone to use, modify, and redistribute software freely.

WordPress, for example, is released under the GPL license. This means it is open-source software that anyone can use, modify, and extend without restriction.

The philosophy behind the GPL is viewed as a kind of “software bill of rights” by the WordPress project, expressing the following core freedoms:

  • Freedom to use – Anyone can download and run the software.

  • Freedom to modify – Anyone can alter the software to suit their needs.

  • Freedom to share – Anyone can redistribute copies of the software for free.

  • Freedom to distribute modified versions – Anyone can share their modified versions under the same license.

A key concept of the GPL is copyleft, which uses copyright law to ensure that modified versions of software are also licensed under the GPL. This ensures that future generations of the software remain free.

As a result, any product derived from WordPress must also inherit the GPL license. This has caused some controversy, especially among developers and companies who create premium WordPress themes and plugins and do not agree with this requirement.

However, the WordPress project has consistently been supported by the community in upholding software freedom. Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, has spoken out regularly in defense of this principle.

📚 Source: Wikipedia – GNU General Public License
Original article translated and adapted for thememin.com

Derived Software under GPL

Software derived from GPL-licensed software must also be licensed under GPL. Why is this important?

1. What the GPL allows:

  • Free use, modification, and redistribution of the software.

  • Special condition: Any derivative works (modified versions) must also be released under the GPL.

2. Comparison with other licenses:

Licenses like BSD, MIT, and Apache do not require derivative software to adopt the same license.

  • Implication: Derivative works can be turned into proprietary software, limiting user freedoms.

3. The goal of GPL:

  • Protect user freedoms – Ensure that people can modify, copy, and share derivative software.

  • Encourage the growth of free software – Promote sharing and community collaboration.

4. Copyleft:

  • A play on the word “copyright,” it reflects a philosophy that opposes restricting software use.

  • Ensures modified versions are also GPL-licensed, maintaining freedom across versions.

5. Summary:

The GPL ensures that derivative software remains free, protecting users’ rights. Copyleft is a key mechanism that makes this possible.

📌 The current version of the GPL is version 3, released in 2007.
Full text: https://www.opensource.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html

Rights, Obligations & Violations under the GNU GPL

1. Your Rights:

  • Copy and distribute the software (even commercially).

  • Modify the software for personal or public use.

  • Distribute modified versions, under the same GPL terms.

2. Your Obligations:

  • Keep original copyright and no warranty disclaimer intact.

  • Note any changes made when redistributing modified versions.

  • Provide the source code, either with the distribution or on request for at least 3 years.

3. Violations:

  • License termination – Violating the GPL voids your rights under it.

  • Exceptions – If you receive software from someone who violated the GPL, your rights may still be preserved if you yourself did not violate it.

Key Features of the GNU License:

  • Viral nature – Anyone who receives the GPL-licensed program inherits its rights and responsibilities.

  • Widespread adoption – GPL is the most popular open-source license, thanks to its openness and legal clarity.

  • Fair balance – Protects original authors while giving users freedom.

  • Security through openness – Public source code enables community-based bug fixes and security audits.

Note:
The GPL allows developers to charge for distribution, but they cannot restrict user freedoms to modify or redistribute.
While open source may seem like a security risk, public collaboration actually increases security.

Are GPL Plugins and Themes Safe to Use?

Yes, they are safe to use – as long as you get them from a trustworthy source like thememin.com.

Why:

  • GPL lets you use, modify, and distribute plugins/themes freely.

  • Source code is public – the community can inspect and fix issues.

  • Any derivative plugins/themes must also be under GPL, protecting user freedoms.

However, consider the risks:

  • Malware risk – Free GPL plugins/themes from unknown sources (like Facebook groups or shady websites) may contain malicious code.

  • Outdated plugins/themes – May have unpatched security issues if not updated for years.

  • No official support – GPL does not guarantee developer support unless you buy from official sources.

Recommendation: Use reputable sources like thememin.com to access safe and updated GPL products.

Are GPL Plugins and Themes Cracked or Nulled?

No, GPL plugins and themes are not cracked or nulled. Here’s the difference:

GPL Software Cracked/Nulled Software
Licensed legally ✅ Yes ❌ No
Free to modify/use ✅ Yes ❌ Usually violates copyright
Open-source code ✅ Yes ❌ May hide malicious code
Safe to use ✅ When from trusted sources ❌ Often risky and illegal
Supports developers ✅ Community/official support possible ❌ No official support

Final Thoughts

The GPL license plays a crucial role in the growth of the open-source ecosystem. It ensures that users and developers alike have the freedom to innovate, collaborate, and share.

Because of these protections and benefits, the GPL has become one of the most important software licenses in the world.

Conclusion:
GPL plugins and themes are not cracks or nulled versions – they are legally licensed and safe to use, especially when obtained from a reliable source like thememin.com.

✅ Always download from trusted sources. Stay secure. Stay open.