Decoder. plain-English AI glossary

Apache 2.0

● CoreApache 2.0

A permissive open-source software license that lets you use, modify, and redistribute code freely, with just attribution and a notice of changes.

Think of it like

It's like Creative Commons for code—share-alike, but you must credit the original.

Example

Llama, PyCUDA, and many ML tools use Apache 2.0. You can modify Llama, sell a service on top, and you just have to include a copy of the license.

How it actually works

Apache 2.0 explicitly grants patent rights, so if the licensor sues you over patents, the license terminates. It's one of the most permissive licenses; compared to GPL, it doesn't force your code to be open. Clear, battle-tested, widely recognized.

For product teams

Enables commercial use without reciprocal obligations; lowers friction for adoption.

For engineers

Patent grant included; no copyleft requirement.

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