The MIT License is one of the most popular and permissive open-source software licenses available on GitHub and beyond.
In simple terms, MIT is a very short, straightforward license says:
"Here is my code. Do whatever you want with it, just don't sue me and include my original copyright notice."
Key Characteristics of the MIT License:
1. Extreme Permissiveness; such that you can
- Use the code commercially, in closed-source, proprietary software.
- Modify, distribute, and sell the code.
- Use it for personal or company projects without any obligation to pay the original author.
2. Minimal Requirements
the license only has one significant condition:
- You must: Include the original copyright notice and a copy of the MIT License itself in any substantial portion of the software. This is how you give attribution.
3. No Copy left
this is a crucial differentiator from licenses like the GPL.
- You do -not - have to: Release the source code of your own project if you use MIT-licensed code within it. You can keep your own modifications and derivative works private and proprietary.
Why is it So Popular on GitHub?
1. Developer Friendly: It removes barriers to adoption. Companies and developers feel safe using MIT-licensed code because there are almost no legal restrictions.
2. Simplicity: It is very short, easy to understand, and doesn't require a lawyer to interpret.
3. Promotes Collaboration: By making it easy for anyone to use your code, you maximize its potential impact and encourage others to build upon your work.
4. Interoperability: MIT-licensed code can be combined with code under almost any other license (including proprietary ones).
What an MIT License Looks Like in Practice:
If you use a library called “Awesome Tool” that is MIT licensed by "Jane Developer 2023," your obligations are simple. In your project, you would need to include their copyright notice. This is often done in one of several places:
- A `LICENSE` file in your project's root that includes the full MIT text.
- An "Attributions" or "Notices" section in your documentation or "About" box.
- A comment in the source code file that uses the library.
Your notice would look something like this:
This software uses the “AwesomeTool” library, which is Copyright (c) 2023 Jane Developer. It is licensed under the MIT License.
How to add it to Your GitHub Repository:
1. Create a new file in the root directory of your repository.
2. Name the file `LICENSE` or `LICENSE.md` .
3. GitHub has a helpful tool. When you create the file, click the "Choose a license template" button.
4. Select "MIT License" from the list.
5. Fill in your name (or your company's name) as the copyright holder.
6. Commit the file.
Once this file is in your repository, GitHub will automatically detect it and display it clearly at the top of your repository page, letting everyone know the terms of use.
Should You Use the MIT License for Your Telecom WordPress Template?
Absolutely, yes.
It is an excellent choice for a project like yours. It encourages maximum adoption by:
- Telecom companies who can use it without worrying about legal issues.
- Other developers who can learn from it, modify it, and even use parts of it in their own commercial themes.
- Agencies who can use it as a starting point for client projects.
It protects you from liability while ensuring you get credit for your original work. It's the default license for a reason—it works.
The MIT License is one of the most popular and permissive open-source software licenses available on GitHub and beyond.
In simple terms, MIT is a very short, straightforward license says:
"Here is my code. Do whatever you want with it, just don't sue me and include my original copyright notice."
Key Characteristics of the MIT License:
1. Extreme Permissiveness; such that you can
- Use the code commercially, in closed-source, proprietary software.
- Modify, distribute, and sell the code.
- Use it for personal or company projects without any obligation to pay the original author.
2. Minimal Requirements
the license only has one significant condition:
- You must: Include the original copyright notice and a copy of the MIT License itself in any substantial portion of the software. This is how you give attribution.
3. No Copy left
this is a crucial differentiator from licenses like the GPL.
- You do -not - have to: Release the source code of your own project if you use MIT-licensed code within it. You can keep your own modifications and derivative works private and proprietary.
Why is it So Popular on GitHub?
1. Developer Friendly: It removes barriers to adoption. Companies and developers feel safe using MIT-licensed code because there are almost no legal restrictions.
2. Simplicity: It is very short, easy to understand, and doesn't require a lawyer to interpret.
3. Promotes Collaboration: By making it easy for anyone to use your code, you maximize its potential impact and encourage others to build upon your work.
4. Interoperability: MIT-licensed code can be combined with code under almost any other license (including proprietary ones).
What an MIT License Looks Like in Practice:
If you use a library called “Awesome Tool” that is MIT licensed by "Jane Developer 2023," your obligations are simple. In your project, you would need to include their copyright notice. This is often done in one of several places:
- A `LICENSE` file in your project's root that includes the full MIT text.
- An "Attributions" or "Notices" section in your documentation or "About" box.
- A comment in the source code file that uses the library.
Your notice would look something like this:
This software uses the “AwesomeTool” library, which is Copyright (c) 2023 Jane Developer. It is licensed under the MIT License.
How to add it to Your GitHub Repository:
1. Create a new file in the root directory of your repository.
2. Name the file `LICENSE` or `LICENSE.md` .
3. GitHub has a helpful tool. When you create the file, click the "Choose a license template" button.
4. Select "MIT License" from the list.
5. Fill in your name (or your company's name) as the copyright holder.
6. Commit the file.
Once this file is in your repository, GitHub will automatically detect it and display it clearly at the top of your repository page, letting everyone know the terms of use.
Should You Use the MIT License for Your Telecom WordPress Template?
Absolutely, yes.
It is an excellent choice for a project like yours. It encourages maximum adoption by:
- Telecom companies who can use it without worrying about legal issues.
- Other developers who can learn from it, modify it, and even use parts of it in their own commercial themes.
- Agencies who can use it as a starting point for client projects.
It protects you from liability while ensuring you get credit for your original work. It's the default license for a reason—it works.
💡 About the Author:
Sana Allah Kheiri is the founder of Paratopic Technologies LLC and leads the company’s research and development in AI, cybersecurity, and digital freedom initiatives. Through his blog and technology campaigns, he advocates for the decentralization of digital rights in authoritarian-leaning environments.