Free Software Movement
The Free Software Movement is a social and political initiative that advocates for the freedom to use, study, modify, and distribute software. It emphasizes user rights and community collaboration, with the GNU General Public License (GPL) as a key legal tool to ensure these freedoms. The movement contrasts with proprietary software models, promoting ethical and practical benefits of software freedom.
Developers should learn about the Free Software Movement to understand the ethical foundations of open-source development, comply with licensing requirements, and contribute to collaborative projects. It is crucial when working on or using GPL-licensed software, advocating for digital rights, or building community-driven solutions that prioritize user autonomy over commercial control.