Can I use copyleft licensed software in my proprietary project?

Can I use copyleft licensed software in my proprietary project?

Using copyleft licensed software in a proprietary project can be tricky. Copyleft licenses require that any derivative works also be open source. This means if you incorporate copyleft software, you may need to release your project under the same license.

What if I only use a small part of the copyleft software?

Even if you use a small part, the copyleft license may still apply. It's best to review the specific license terms to understand your obligations.

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

Some licenses have exceptions or allow for certain uses without requiring the entire project to be open source. For example, the MIT license is more permissive than copyleft licenses.

What are some examples of copyleft licenses?

Common examples of copyleft licenses include the GNU General Public License (GPL) and the Affero General Public License (AGPL). These licenses enforce the copyleft principle.