GFDL stands for General Public License (GNU Free Documentation License), which is a type of license specifically designed for intellectual property such as software, documentation, and any other creative works. The GFDL was developed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) as a free software license, ensuring the freedom to use, modify, and distribute the licensed work.
The GFDL is primarily intended for works that provide instructions, explanations, or information, like manuals, textbooks, encyclopedia articles, and other similar documents. It allows users to freely copy, share, and modify these works, as well as create new versions based on the original. The license emphasizes the importance of including the full text of the license when redistributing the work and ensuring that derivative works also adhere to the GFDL.
One of the key features of the GFDL is its "copyleft" nature, meaning that modifications and extensions of a work must also be licensed under the GFDL or a compatible license. This ensures that the principles of openness and collaboration are maintained throughout the project.
Overall, the GFDL serves as a legal framework that guarantees the rights of users to access, modify, and distribute creative works, promoting the ideals of free software and openness. It provides a set of guidelines and permissions that allow individuals and organizations to contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge and information.
