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Understanding the LGPL-3.0 License

All helpers4 projects are licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 (LGPL-3.0). Here's a practical summary.

What is LGPL-3.0?​

LGPL-3.0 is a weak copyleft license, mainly designed for libraries. It allows broad use (including commercial use), while requiring that changes to the LGPL-covered code remain under LGPL when distributed.

Important: LGPL-3.0 does not include the AGPL “network use” clause.

What you can do​

As an individual​

  • ✅ Use helpers4 freely in personal projects
  • ✅ Study, modify, and redistribute the source code
  • ✅ Use it in your portfolio, side projects, or learning exercises
  • ✅ Contribute back to the project

As a non-profit / NGO​

  • ✅ Use helpers4 in internal tools and public-facing applications
  • ✅ Modify the code to fit your needs
  • ✅ Distribute software that uses helpers4

As a company​

  • ✅ Use helpers4 in proprietary or open-source products
  • ✅ Use helpers4 in internal tools
  • ✅ Run SaaS / network services using helpers4

What you must do​

RequirementDetails
Keep noticesKeep copyright and license notices for LGPL-covered code
Provide LGPL textInclude a copy of the LGPL license when distributing
Publish LGPL modificationsIf you distribute modified LGPL-covered code, provide corresponding source under LGPL
Allow relinking/debugging rightsDo not block users from exercising LGPL rights on the LGPL-covered parts

What you cannot do​

  • ❌ Remove or alter copyright/license notices on LGPL-covered code
  • ❌ Re-license LGPL-covered code as proprietary
  • ❌ Distribute modified LGPL-covered code without preserving LGPL obligations

In short​

You can use helpers4 in commercial, closed-source, and SaaS contexts. LGPL obligations apply to the LGPL-covered code and its distributed modifications—not to network use alone.

Full license text​

The complete license text is available at gnu.org/licenses/lgpl-3.0 and in the LICENSE file of each repository.

Disclaimer

This page is a human-readable summary and not a substitute for the full license text. If in doubt, refer to the official license or consult legal counsel.