Go is released under a permissive open-source license called the BSD 3-Clause License. This means that you are free to use, modify, and distribute the Go compiler and standard library in both commercial and non-commercial projects without any restrictions. You can also incorporate Go code into your own projects without having to release your source code under the same license. This makes Go a great choice for both proprietary and open-source projects.
However, it’s important to note that the BSD 3-Clause License does come with some obligations. If you decide to distribute the Go compiler or standard library, you must include a copy of the license text along with your distribution. You must also include a disclaimer stating that the software is provided “as is” and without any warranty. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in legal action.
Another important aspect of the Go license is the patent clause. The BSD 3-Clause License includes a patent grant that gives you permission to use any patents held by the Go project contributors. This means that you can use Go without worrying about infringing on any patents related to the language.
Overall, the BSD 3-Clause License is a very permissive license that allows you to use Go in a wide range of projects without any restrictions. Whether you’re working on a commercial application, a personal project, or an open-source library, you can feel confident using Go knowing that you have the freedom to do so.
In conclusion, the Go programming language’s BSD 3-Clause License provides developers with the flexibility and freedom to use the language in a wide range of projects. By understanding the implications of the license, you can confidently incorporate Go into your next project knowing that you have the legal right to do so.
