Re: Show the license of package in ELPA website.

[Stefan Monnier]

Zhu Zihao [2022-05-04 14:18:29] wrote:
> I found that the Non-GNU ELPA didn't show the license of the package on it.
>
> example: https://elpa.nongnu.org/nongnu/zig-mode.html
>
> GNU ELPA is a part of Emacs, so the packages on it should be GPL3+, but
> the package on Non-GNU ELPA should use different license like MIT Expat,
> GPL2, LGPL2.1 etc. (correct me if I'm wrong). Can we add a line to show
> the license of these packages on website?

The packages on NonGNU ELPA may use another license but only if it's
compatible with the GPLv3+.  IOW that should be distributable under the
GPLv3+ license, and AFAIK it's the only thing users need to know.

If they really want to know that the code is using a more permissive
license, I think it's OK to leave it up to them to do the work to find
out.  Since most ELisp code will necessarily have to be linked with the
rest of Emacs to be useful, there are very few opportunities for users
to take advantage of a more permissive license anyway.

> BTW, the website says it licensed under CC BY-ND, which is not a free
> license IMO violates the spirit of GNU.  Is there any reason prevent us
> using CC BY-SA or GNU FDL?

I'll let someone more knowledgeable about these issues tackle this part
of your inquiry.  I personally don't have an opinion.  If/when
a decision to change it is made, I'd be happy to help implement it.


        Stefan