Hugbúnaðarleyfi

Hugbúnaðarleyfi, often translated as software license, is a legal agreement that grants users permission to use and often distribute software. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the software can be operated. It specifies what rights the user has, such as the ability to install, run, modify, and share the software, and what limitations exist, such as restrictions on commercial use or reverse engineering.

There are various types of software licenses, broadly categorized into proprietary and free and open-source licenses. Proprietary licenses, such as End-User License Agreements (EULAs) common with commercial software, typically restrict users from modifying or redistributing the software. Free and open-source licenses, like the GNU General Public License (GPL) or the MIT License, allow for greater user freedom, often permitting modification and redistribution under specific conditions, such as requiring derived works to also be licensed under the same terms.

Understanding a software license is crucial for both developers and users. For developers, licenses protect their intellectual property and define how their creation can be used. For users, licenses clarify their rights and obligations, preventing potential legal issues. Ignorance of a software license's terms can lead to copyright infringement.