License File Generator

Quickly generate a LICENSE file for your open source project.

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A short and permissive license. Allows reuse with only attribution and inclusion of the license.

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Recommended License: MIT License

Why this license? A short and permissive license. Allows reuse with only attribution and inclusion of the license.

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About Software Licenses

What is a License?
A software license is a legal document that specifies how others can use, modify, and distribute your code. It protects your rights as a creator and sets clear rules for users and contributors.

Why Add a License to Your GitHub Repository?
- Clarity: Tells others what they can and cannot do with your code.
- Protection: Shields you from legal liability and misuse.
- Collaboration: Encourages open source contributions by setting expectations.
- Visibility: Many open source communities and companies require a clear license before using or contributing to a project.

Common Types of Licenses:
- Permissive: (MIT, Apache, BSD) — Allow almost any use, with minimal requirements.
- Copyleft: (GPL, MPL) — Require derivative works to use the same license.
- Public Domain: (CC0, Unlicense) — Waive all rights, allowing anyone to use the code for any purpose.

Who Should Use a License?

Anyone publishing code on GitHub or any public platform.
Open source project maintainers and contributors.
Companies and individuals sharing code for collaboration or reuse.

Tip: Always choose a license that matches your goals for sharing, collaboration, and protection. When in doubt, MIT is a safe, permissive default for most projects.