How do GNU GPL and Open Source differ from each other?

Answer 1

Open source is a set of principles and practices on how to write software. Literally "open source" means the source code is available to the users. The Open Source Definition, which was created by Bruce Perens and Eric Raymond and is currently maintained by the Open Source Initiative, adds additional meaning to the term. One should not only get the source code but also have the right to use it. If the latter is denied the license is categorized as a shared source license.A software license agreement is a memorandum of contract between a producer and a user of computer software which grants the user a software license. Most often, a software license agreement indicates the terms under which an end-user may utilize the licensed software, in which case the agreement is called an end-user license agreement or EULA. When the software license agreement is between the software licensor and a business or government entity, it is often implemented as a specialized form of contract with many clauses unique to the license and the nature of the software being licensed.

Answer 2

"Open-source" only means that the source is available. It doesn't tell you what you can do with the file. The GPL instructs you on what you can, cannot, and must do with the source of a program.

Commercial redistribution - GPL allows for it, many other "open" licenses like the MAME license do not.

Must make changes made to a publicly released program available - The BSD license does not require this.

Open source means that the source code is available free of charge. That does not mean however that you have any other rights in connection to it.

GNU GPL insures that a software is "Free" (as in Freedom), making sure that users not only have the right to see the source code, but modify it in any way they like it as long as they license the modifications under the GPL, too. See the link to Free Software vs. Open Source for more details.

Answer 3

A Gnu General Public License is an extraordinarily broad license allowing derivative works to be created as long as they are distributed under the same license. A more typical copyright license would require each change be licensed, and may put restrictions on further distribution.