Noting changes to GPL programs

  • Trillium

    (@trillium)


    14 years, 2 months ago

    Hi, I would like to say that WordPress seems like a fantastic CMS, and I have been doing quite a lot of reading in the documentation, and feel as though I am ready to begin modifying themes and plugins. However, before I do so, I would like to verify somehthing.

    When I am modifying GPL licenced themes and plugins to suite my needs, how do I go about noting the changes that I have made to the plugin or theme? I have to so in a comment at the head of each modified file right?

    Also, if I as a webpage designer, install and configure a WordPress based site for a client, I am allowed to charge for setting that up for them (for the work that I have done on it etc.), and I can remove/change/modify whatever I need to as long as I still leave the GPL intact and note the changes, correct?

    Thanks in advance for your help!

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • esmi

    (@esmi)

    14 years, 2 months ago

    how do I go about noting the changes that I have made to the plugin or theme

    I’m not sure that there is a strict format for documenting changes. Personally, I try to ensure that the original author is credited in the comments section as I feel that this is only fair and ethical.

    I can remove/change/modify whatever I need to as long as I still leave the GPL intact and note the changes, correct

    Correct.

    Thread Starter Trillium

    (@trillium)

    14 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks for the answer,
    In section 2 of the GNU license it says that you need to cause the modified files to carry prominent notices stating that you changed the files and the date of any change. So is it sufficient to put in a comment like “Last modified by (name) on (date)”, or do you have to put a comment on every “file”? Basically, what constitutes proper notation of changes.
    Thanks so much for the help!

    esmi

    (@esmi)

    14 years, 2 months ago

    If I’m modifying a theme, I simply add something like:

    Developed from an original theme ([original theme name]) by [author name] at [author/theme url]

    I don’t comment every change in the template files or CSS. That would be far too impractical, in my opinion.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
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