I Built an Open-Source License Compatibility Checker for Developers

Description and use

A free, deterministic license compatibility checker was built to help developers quickly identify potential conflicts and obligations when combining code from different projects.

Problem

Developers need to assess license compatibility when combining code from different projects, especially to determine if an MIT-licensed library can be used in a proprietary application, how GPL dependencies affect distribution, and the implications of SaaS versus binary distribution.

Outcome

The checker provides a practical first-pass assessment of license compatibility, enabling developers to identify potential conflicts and obligations before they become costly problems.

Workflow

• 1. User navigates to https://esdecode.com/tools/license-compatibility-checker
• 2. Inputs license(s) of the project and its dependencies
• 3. Selects the intended usage scenario (e.g., dependency, modified source, binary distribution, SaaS, etc.)
• 4. The deterministic engine evaluates compatibility and displays potential issues and obligations
• 5. Developer reviews highlighted considerations such as copyleft, attribution, source-code disclosure, commercial-use restrictions, patent conditions, and redistribution requirements
• 6. If needed, developer consults the open-source engine on GitHub for deeper inspection or contributes additional licenses or scenarios

Evidence

Software licensing often looks simple until you actually need to combine code from different projects.

Source

The tool is free to use and doesn't require an account.

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The compatibility engine is therefore deterministic and directional.

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This is not a replacement for professional legal advice.

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