What Copyright does MySQL use?

There are (at least) four different copyright's on the MySQL distribution.

1. The MySQL specific source needed to make the mysqlclient library and programs in the `client' directory is in the public domain. Each file which is in the public domain has a header which clearly states so. This is everything in the `client' directory and some parts of mysys, mystring and dbug libraries.
2. Some small parts of the source (GNU getopt) are covered by the "GNU LIBRARY LIBRARY GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE". See the `mysys/COPYING.LIB' file.
3. Some small parts of the source (GNU readline) are covered by the "GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE". See the `readline/COPYING' file.
4. Some parts of the source (the regexp library) are covered by a Berkeley style copyright.
5. The other source needed for the MySQL server is AGPL. See the file PUBLIC for more info.

Our philosophy behind this is:

• The SQL client library should be totally free so it can be included in commercial products without limitations.
• People who want free access to the software we have put a lot of work into can have it so long they do not try to make money directly by distributing it for profit.
• People who want the right to keep their own software proprietary, but also want the value from our work, can pay for the privilege.
• That means that normal in-house use is FREE. But if you use it for something important to you, you may want to support further development of MySQL by purchasing a support license.

Go to the first, previous, next, last section, table of contents.