GNU All-permissive License explained

GNU All-permissive License
Author:	The GNU project
Copyright:	Free Software Foundation
Osi Approved:	No
Debian Approved:	Yes
Free Software:	Yes^[1]
Gpl Compatible:	Yes
Copyleft:	No
Linking:	Yes
Spdx:	FSFAP^[2]

The GNU All-permissive License is a lax, permissive (non-copyleft) free software license, compatible with the GNU General Public License, recommended by the Free Software Foundation for README and other small supporting files (under 300 lines long).^[3]

It is a minimal license, composed of only two paragraphs, that normally covers single files rather than entire projects (although it is possible to replace the word "file" with "project" or "software" in the text). Its main purpose is to license minor files that do not need to be covered by the GNU General Public License in GPL-licensed projects.

The SPDX identifier for this license is FSFAP.

License Terms

The full text of the license is the following:^[4]

Copyright <YEAR>, <AUTHORS>

Copying and distribution of this file, with or without modification, are permitted in any medium without royalty, provided the copyright notice and this notice are preserved. This file is offered as-is, without any warranty.

Older versions of this license did not have the second sentence with the express warranty disclaimer.

Derived licenses

The Æsthetic Permissive License^[5] has been derived from a combination of the GNU All-permissive License and the Fair License.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Various Licenses and Comments about Them . 2014–2017 . 2017-04-04 . . . 2017-07-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170720140022/https://www.gnu.org/licenses/license-list.en.html . live . 2017-07-20 . ... This is a lax, permissive non-copyleft free software license, compatible with the GNU GPL. It is sometimes ambiguously referred to as the MIT License. ....
2. https://spdx.org/licenses/FSFAP.html FSF All Permissive License – SPDX
3. https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Licensing/FSFAP Licensing/FSFAP – Fedora Project
4. https://www.gnu.org/prep/maintain/html_node/License-Notices-for-Other-Files.html Information for Maintainers of GNU Software, License Notices for Other Files
5. Web site: Æsthetic Permissive License . Palmer . Sean B. . 2007-12-19 . inamidst.com . 2022-08-09 .
   Copyright <Year>, <Entity Name and Optional Metadata>
   
   Copying and distribution of this work, with or without modification, are permitted provided this entire instrument is preserved as a notice.
   
   DISCLAIMER: THIS WORK IS WITHOUT WARRANTY.
   .
6. Web site: Gallimaufry of Whits, 2007-12-19 20:53 UTC . Palmer . Sean B. . 2007-12-19 . inamidst.com . 2022-08-09 . Spurred on by Noah Slater, who volunteered to make a Debian package out of Phenny if I picked a license, I combined these two together [the <code>FSAP</code> and <code>[[Fair]] licenses] to cover up their faults whilst making them shorter, and came up with the Æsthetic Permissive License.}}

   See also

   • Permissive software license
   • Copyleft
   • GNU General Public License

   References

   .