LGPL
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Software
| Stands for | GNU Lesser General Public License |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
LGPL stands for GNU Lesser General Public License, a software abbreviation.
Weaker copyleft license that lets proprietary programs link to a covered library without becoming open source themselves, while changes to the library itself must still be shared. It is common for libraries such as glibc and parts of Qt.
Example: We can dynamically link the LGPL library from our closed-source app as long as users can swap in a modified version.
Usage notes
First released in 1991 as the "Library" GPL, it was renamed "Lesser" in 1999, partly because the Free Software Foundation wanted to discourage its overuse. Static linking brings extra obligations, since users must be able to relink the program with a modified library. The current LGPLv3 is written as a set of additional permissions on top of GPLv3.
Related abbreviations
More software abbreviations
- i18n – Internationalization
- IAP – In-app purchase
- ISV – Independent software vendor
- KDE – K Desktop Environment
- KMS – Key Management Service
- l10n – Localization
- LTS – Long-term support
- LTSC – Long-Term Servicing Channel
- M365 – Microsoft 365
- MIT – MIT License
- MPL – Mozilla Public License
- NLE – Non-linear editing