Exploring BSD Licenses: BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” vs. BSD-2-Clause “Simplified”

The BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) licenses are a family of permissive open-source licenses widely used in the software development community. Two common variants are the BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” and the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” licenses. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of each license, highlight their differences, and explore their implications for developers and users.

BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” License:

The BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” license is a permissive open-source license with three main clauses. It allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. The key provisions of this license are as follows:

1. Redistribution: Users are permitted to distribute both the original software and any modifications made to it, either in source code or binary form. This encourages collaboration and the sharing of improvements within the open-source community.
2. Attribution: The BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” license requires users to include the original copyright notice, disclaimer, and license text in all redistributions of the software. This ensures that proper credit is given to the original authors.
3. Disclaimer: The license includes a disclaimer stating that the software is provided “as is,” without any warranties or guarantees. This protects the original authors from liability for any damages that may arise from the use or distribution of the software.

BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” License:

The BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” license is a more concise variant of the BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” license. It contains only two main clauses, making it even more permissive. The key provisions of this license are as follows:

1. Redistribution: Users are allowed to freely distribute the original software and any modifications, either in source code or binary form, without any restrictions. This encourages the widespread use and distribution of the software.
2. Attribution: Similar to the BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” license, the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” license requires users to include the original copyright notice and disclaimer in all redistributions. Proper attribution is essential to recognize the contributions of the original authors.

Comparison:

The primary difference between the BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” and the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” licenses lies in the number of clauses. The BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” license has three clauses, which include an additional clause related to the use of names, trademarks, and endorsements. On the other hand, the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” license has two clauses and omits this specific clause.

Another significant distinction is that the BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” license explicitly states the requirement for proper attribution in all redistributions. This clarity ensures that the original authors receive recognition for their contributions. While the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” license also requires attribution, its language is less explicit.

Implications for Developers and Users:

Both the BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” and the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” licenses offer considerable flexibility to developers and users. These permissive licenses allow developers to freely use and modify the software for various projects, including proprietary ones. They also enable users to incorporate the software into their applications with minimal restrictions.

For developers, the choice between the two licenses may come down to their specific requirements and preferences. The BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” license’s additional clause on names, trademarks, and endorsements can be crucial for projects with branding considerations. Additionally, its explicit requirement for attribution may be preferred for those who prioritize proper credit.

On the other hand, the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” license’s concise nature may appeal to developers looking for minimalistic licensing terms. It is especially suitable for those who want to use the software without dealing with additional clauses and prefer simplicity.

For users, both licenses grant extensive freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software. The choice between the two may be influenced by a desire for clearer attribution requirements or a preference for a more straightforward licensing approach.

Conclusion:

The BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” and the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” licenses are both valuable members of the BSD family, offering developers and users a permissive open-source licensing option. While the BSD-3-Clause “New” or “Revised” license includes an additional clause on names and endorsements and explicitly states the requirement for attribution, the BSD-2-Clause “Simplified” license omits these specific provisions, providing a more concise and straightforward licensing option. Developers and users should carefully consider their project’s needs, branding considerations, and preferences when choosing between these two BSD licenses. Regardless of the choice, both licenses encourage collaboration, foster innovation, and promote the continued growth of the open-source community.

If you’re interested in exploring a comprehensive list of various open-source licenses and their details, feel free to check out our guide to “Open Source Licenses : A Guide To Software Licensing“. Happy licensing!

References:

1. “BSD License – 3-Clause BSD License.” Open Source Initiative.
2. “BSD License – 2-Clause BSD License.” Open Source Initiative.
3. “BSD Licenses Comparison.” Wikipedia.
4. “Understanding Open Source Software Licenses.” Open Source Initiative.

Please note that the above references are for general information purposes. Always consult the official text of the respective licenses and legal counsel for specific legal advice or inquiries related to open-source licenses.