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{{Short description|Software license}}
<br><hr>
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}}
'''Name:'''
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox software license
| name = Python License
| image =
| caption =
| author = [[Corporation for National Research Initiatives]]
| version = 2.11 and newer
| copyright =
| date =
| OSI approved = Yes
| Debian approved =
| Free Software = Yes<ref name=fsf>{{cite web |url=https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-list.html#Python1.6a2 |title=License of Python 1.6a2 and earlier versions |at=List of licenses |publisher=Free Software Foundation}}<br>{{cite web |url=https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-list.html#PythonOld |title=License of Python 1.6b1 through 2.0 and 2.1 |at=List of licenses |publisher=Free Software Foundation}}<br>{{cite web |url=https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-list.html#Python |title=License of Python 2.0.1, 2.1.1, and newer versions |at=List of licenses |publisher=Free Software Foundation}}</ref>
| GPL compatible = Some versions<ref name=fsf/><ref>[https://docs.python.org/3/license.html History and License] Python</ref>
| copyleft = No
| linking =
}}


The '''Python License''' is a deprecated [[permissive license|permissive]] computer [[software license]] created by the [[Corporation for National Research Initiatives]] (CNRI). It was used for versions 1.6 and 2.0 of the [[Python (programming language)|Python programming language]], both released in the year 2000.
Python License (CNRI Python License)


The Python License is similar to the [[BSD License]] and, while it is a [[free software license]], its wording in some versions meant that it was [[License compatibility|incompatible]] with the [[GNU General Public License]] (GPL) used by a great deal of free software including the [[Linux kernel]]. For this reason CNRI retired the license in 2001, and the license of current releases is the [[Python Software Foundation License]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.python.org/download/releases/3.3.4/license|title=Python 3.3.4 license|access-date=15 Apr 2014}}</ref>
'''Reason the license was written:'''
Python was created by Guido van Rossum, however he does not own the code. The initial copyright was by Stichting Mathtematisch Centrum. The Corporation for National Research Initiatives got ownership of Python when Guido can Rossum got a position there. CNRI wrote this license agreement because they are the current owners of Python 1.6b1. The CNRI Python License is similar to the Berkeley Software Distribution License. The BSD License is the most widely used for free software. It is not still in its original form but the style is still replicated.
The purpose of the license is to give people access to Python and the ability to utilize it to its full capacity. Whether the user needs to analyze, test, or display publicly. It is clearly stated that “CNRI hereby grants Licensee a non-exclusive, royalty-free, world-wide license…” CNRI is contributing to the open source movement by upholding similar principles as the previous owners of Python.


== Origin ==


Python was created by [[Guido van Rossum]] and the initial copyright was held by his employer, the [[Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica]] (CWI). During this time Python was distributed under a GPL-compatible variant of the [[Historical Permission Notice and Disclaimer]] license.<ref>{{cite web
'''Compatibility with GPL:'''
|url=https://www.python.org/download/releases/2.5/license
Python is not compatible with the General Public License even though it is under a free software license. The later versions of Python were made to be compatible with GPL. CNRI and the FSF worked together to make modifications. Python 1.6.1 is really not that different from Python 1.6, with the exceptions of some minor bug fixes. The name of the new GPL-compatible license is Python Software Foundation License. The Python License (CNRI Python License) is not compatible to GPL because it does not have a choice of law clause. This clause dictates which law can potentially be applied to deal with future dispute when the contract.
|title=Python 2.5 license (with historical notes)
|publisher=Python.org
|access-date=2008-03-31
}}</ref> CNRI obtained ownership of Python when Van Rossum became employed there, and after some years they drafted a new license for the language.


== Retirement ==
'''Derivative Works:'''
The license agreement states that all derivative works of Python 1.6 must keep CNRI’s License Agreement with the software.


The Python License includes a clause stating that the license is governed by the State of [[Virginia, United States]]. The [[Python Software Foundation License]]; Python 1.6.1 differs from Python 1.6 only in some minor bug fixes and new GPL-compatible licensing terms.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}}


== References ==
'''Covered Works:'''
{{reflist}}
The agreement does not explicitly mention source code. However if someone created a derivative work in which they wanted to make public then they most indicate modification make to Python 1.6.


{{FOSS}}


[[Category:Python (programming language)]]
'''Charging money for the programs under the license:'''
[[Category:Free and open-source software licenses]]
The CNRI License Agreement does not mention any restrictions on charging or fees for the software.
[[Category:Permissive software licenses]]


'''Including a copy of the license:'''
According to the license, distributed copies must have the CNRI’s License Agreement. It does not clearly state verbatim however it utilizes the specific license name which suggests the same thing.


'''Adding to the license:'''
The license does not prohibit additional requirements or restriction but all derivate or distributed work are all under the same license which states that the software is “royalty-free”.


'''Distribution under the license:'''
This license explicitly states that Python 1.6 is royalty-free however it does not mention future patents.


'''Later Versions:'''
This license agreement only covers a particular version of Python. However, later versions of Python are under a new agreement


'''Other Relevant Aspects:'''
The lack of a choice of law clause is really what makes the Cori’s License Agreement different from other licenses like the GPL. However this license only lasted for a short period of time because it was made GPL-compliant.


'''Reviewed by:'''
Lauren V. Walters,
Carnegie Mellon University

<hr>

Latest revision as of 00:18, 16 April 2022

Python License
AuthorCorporation for National Research Initiatives
Latest version2.11 and newer
SPDX identifierPython-2.0, Python-2.0.1
FSF approvedYes[1]
OSI approvedYes
GPL compatibleSome versions[1][2]
CopyleftNo

The Python License is a deprecated permissive computer software license created by the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI). It was used for versions 1.6 and 2.0 of the Python programming language, both released in the year 2000.

The Python License is similar to the BSD License and, while it is a free software license, its wording in some versions meant that it was incompatible with the GNU General Public License (GPL) used by a great deal of free software including the Linux kernel. For this reason CNRI retired the license in 2001, and the license of current releases is the Python Software Foundation License.[3]

Origin[edit]

Python was created by Guido van Rossum and the initial copyright was held by his employer, the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI). During this time Python was distributed under a GPL-compatible variant of the Historical Permission Notice and Disclaimer license.[4] CNRI obtained ownership of Python when Van Rossum became employed there, and after some years they drafted a new license for the language.

Retirement[edit]

The Python License includes a clause stating that the license is governed by the State of Virginia, United States. The Python Software Foundation License; Python 1.6.1 differs from Python 1.6 only in some minor bug fixes and new GPL-compatible licensing terms.[citation needed]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "License of Python 1.6a2 and earlier versions". Free Software Foundation. List of licenses.
    "License of Python 1.6b1 through 2.0 and 2.1". Free Software Foundation. List of licenses.
    "License of Python 2.0.1, 2.1.1, and newer versions". Free Software Foundation. List of licenses.
  2. ^ History and License Python
  3. ^ "Python 3.3.4 license". Retrieved April 15, 2014.
  4. ^ "Python 2.5 license (with historical notes)". Python.org. Retrieved March 31, 2008.
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