Uploaded September 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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I would like to speak for a few lectures on the industry and where it's heading. In fact a lot of new programmers don't get taught about licensing; instead they've had to figure out the best license they can for their project.

I believe it's more important now, when first learning about programming, to learn some legalities. Programming can be hazardous not just by bad programming but also with legality. For example you'll find in your programming career you'll be using other peoples software and you should understand the implications of each license; any license can fit into one of three categories... liberty, open source and finally proprietary.

Liberty licensing can be summarised as follows:
- You must provide the source code and allow anyone to change it.
- You can distribute the software 'as is' or with modification either commercially or for gratis.
- You cannot however change the license, wherever the liberty software goes the liberty license must go therewith.

Open source ( creative commons ) licensing can be summarised as follows ( note the use of the word 'may'; as some privileges can be revoked or granted based on the programmers determination ):
- You may be able to create derivative works.
- You may have to provide attribution.
- You may be able to distribute.
- You may be able to distribute commercially.
- The license MUST go with the software.

This license will vary at the programmers discretion depending on what they'll allow. However as with the liberty licensing the open source licensing follows the software, this you cannot change. Also it's not liberty software completely as the programmer may wish to revoke certain privileges which violates the liberty software model.

Proprietary licensing can be summarised as follows:
- NO derivative works.
- NO distribution under any circumstances.
- NO changing or accessing the source code.

You have the choice to choose one of the following licenses when it comes to your software. But understanding software legality is very important to protect you as a programmer and your client. However I am a great believer in the fact that you can choose, and I do believe that should be at the discretion of the programmer.

P.S if at all possible please go with the open licenses so that your software can be widely used and distributed. You'll get the recognition for your work in a much broader spectrum and protect others freedoms wherever possible.

Programming 101 course:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGC-hHIh7l5s6Spz86OT1u0A7kvQH-2B0

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