Skip to main content

Open Source License Picker

Developer Tools

Comparison table, wizard recommendation

Quick Answer

Open Source License Picker: Comparison table, wizard recommendation. Open Source License Picker uses standard developer formulas to compute accurate results instantly.

Answer 3 questions

1. Derivatives may be closed-source?
2. Need patent protection?
3. Force give-back (copyleft)?
Recommended license
Apache-2.0
MIT + explicit patent grant + trademark protection, enterprise favorite

Decision steps

  1. 1Q1 Can derivatives be closed-source? → Yes allowed
  2. 2Q2 Need explicit patent protection? → yes
  3. 3Q3 Force community give-back? → free
  4. 4Decision tree → Apache-2.0
Permissive + explicit patent grant → Apache 2.0 (standard for enterprises & large projects)

License comparison

LicenseCopyleftPatent grantNotes
MITNone (permissive)—Most permissive: attribution only, free for commercial/closed-source use
BSD-2/3None (permissive)—MIT-like; 3-Clause adds non-endorsement
Apache-2.0None (permissive)✓MIT + explicit patent grant + trademark protection, enterprise favorite
LGPL-3.0Weak (library)✓Dynamic linking OK closed-source; modifications to the library must open
MPL-2.0File-level✓File-level copyleft: modified MPL files open, rest may close
GPL-3.0Strong (work)✓Strong copyleft: derivative works must be GPL open-source
AGPL-3.0Network (SaaS)✓GPL + network use = distribution: SaaS must open-source too
CC0 / UnlicenseNone (permissive)—Waive all rights, public domain equivalent
Compatibility traps: GPL-2.0-only is incompatible with Apache-2.0 (patent clause); mixing GPL code into a proprietary product is a copyright violation. "No license" means all rights reserved — others may NOT legally use your code. This is general info, not legal advice.

Was this tool helpful?

How to Use

  1. Paste or type content: drop code/text into the Open Source License Picker or fill the parameters.
  2. Choose mode/options: switch format, rules or processing as needed.
  3. Live output: results appear instantly — nothing is submitted, data stays in your browser.
  4. One-click copy: copy the output straight into your development environment.

Key Points

  • Open Source License Picker is a free online developer tool — open and use, no sign-up.
  • All calculations run locally in your browser; your data never leaves the device.
  • Key capability: Comparison table, wizard recommendation.
  • Results come with formulas and reference tables so you can verify every number.

Formula & How It Works

Open Source License Picker formula

Open Source License Picker uses standard developer formulas to compute accurate results instantly.

FAQ

How do I use the Open Source License Picker?
Open the page and fill in the input fields — results update automatically. Comparison table, wizard recommendation.
Are the results accurate?
Yes. Standard formulas and conversion factors are used and verified.
Is it free? Do I need to sign up?
Completely free. No registration, login or download required.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The responsive design works on phones, tablets and desktops.
Is my data saved?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser.

Related Tools

Related Guides

Source & Updates

Based on RFC 4648, ECMA-262 and related specifications. Last updated: 2025-07

Last updated:

Formulas and content on this page are reviewed by the YiJianSuan team. For reference only — official sources prevail.

Maintained and periodically reviewed by the YiJianSuan editorial team — review process in ourEditorial Policy.

Cite this page: YiJianSuan. Open Source License Picker[EB/OL]. https://www.yijiansuan.com/en/c/dev/license-picker

Results provided by this tool are for reference only and do not constitute professional advice.