I'm curious about the 'COPYING' file we often see in Linux distributions. Why is it named that way? I find it a bit odd, and while I'm joking about it, I'd really like to know the history behind it. My last search string before giving up was 'linux context history of "COPYING" filename -"copying files" -"copying last" -"copying in the" -"copying them" -"copying a" -"copy a file" -"copying a file" -"copy file" -"copying with" -"cp command".' Just to clarify, it's a license file, and I'm guessing the name relates to the license allowing users to copy the code, specifically referencing the 'GNU LESSER GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE', 'Version 2.1, February 1999.' Is the ability to copy the code really something unique to this file?
2 Answers
Have you checked out the official GPL documentation? The 'COPYING' file is a necessity when releasing software under the GPL. It's named that way intentionally, as it's become a standard convention. By the way, GNU has been around long before Linux itself, so it’s vital for any Linux-based OS. You should definitely catch up on that!
You're spot on! The 'COPYING' file is indeed where the license specifics are laid out, including how you can legally copy the code. It's a convention that helps users understand their rights with the software they're using. It's not just an arbitrary name; it signifies the license granted to users for redistribution and modification.
I didn't even know where to look because 'copying' is such a common term. I get the frustration, but the docs should have been a helpful resource!