A developer is creating a new system utility for Linux and wants to release it as open-source software. A key requirement is that anyone who modifies the source code and distributes the new version must also make their modified source code available under the same licensing terms. Which of the following license types best fulfills this requirement?
The correct answer is a copyleft license. Copyleft licenses, such as the GNU General Public License (GPL), grant users the freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software, with the stipulation that any derivative works must be distributed under the same terms. This ensures that the software and its modifications remain open-source.
A permissive license would not meet the requirement because it allows modified versions to be distributed under different, even proprietary, terms.
A proprietary license is incorrect as it restricts access to the source code and is the opposite of open-source.
A freeware license is also incorrect; while the software is free to use, the source code is typically not available, and it is a form of proprietary software.
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CompTIA Linux+ XK0-006 (V8)
System Management
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