In a move that reinforces its commitment to openness and collaboration, Arch Linux has announced the adoption of the 0BSD license for all package sources, including PKGBUILD files. This decision marks a significant milestone in the project’s 18-year history, as it is the first time Arch Linux has implemented a formal license for its package sources.
A Step Toward Greater Clarity and Flexibility
The absence of a formal license had previously created uncertainty regarding the intellectual property rights of package sources, a crucial aspect of the free and open-source software ecosystem. By adopting the 0BSD license, Arch Linux eliminates any legal ambiguities, ensuring that its package sources are accessible, reusable, and modifiable without restrictions.
The 0BSD license, also known as the “Zero-Clause BSD License,” is one of the most permissive open-source licenses available. It allows users to copy, modify, distribute, and even use the material for proprietary purposes without requiring attribution or imposing conditions. This ensures maximum flexibility for both contributors and downstream users.
A Change Backed by the Community
This decision results from a consensus reached in Arch Linux’s Formal Change Proposal (RFC) 40, where contributors agreed on the benefits of transitioning to the 0BSD license. The move aligns with Arch Linux’s principles of simplicity and accessibility.
According to the Arch Linux team, implementing this license ensures that users and developers can use package sources without legal concerns while staying true to the project’s philosophy of openness and collaboration.
The Transition Process
To facilitate this transition, Arch Linux will notify its contributors through a single email detailing their contributions. This process, which began on November 19, 2024, follows these steps:
- If contributors agree with the change, no action is required.
- If contributors disagree, they can reply to the email to discuss a solution directly with the team.
- Contributors who do not receive an email but believe they should have can contact the team at [email protected].
A Significant Advancement for the Community
This change not only ensures that Arch Linux’s package sources are more accessible and reusable but also removes potential legal obstacles, fostering greater collaboration in software development.
With this move, Arch Linux reaffirms its commitment to transparency and simplicity, while strengthening its position as one of the most influential and respected Linux distributions in the global open-source community.
