The GPL, or GNU General Public License, is a widely used free software license that allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute software that is licensed under the GPL.
The GPL is published by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and is one of the most popular open source licenses.
Also WordPress itself is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and in addition to the WordPress core software, many WordPress themes and plugins are licensed under the GPL, which means that the source code is freely available and can be modified and distributed by anyone, as long as they follow the terms of the GPL.
The GPL matters because it allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute software, as long as they follow the terms of the license.
In a nutshell: users can take a GPL-licensed software program, make changes to it, and distribute it to others, as long as they also make the modified version available under the GPL.
This promotes the sharing and collaboration of software development, which can lead to the creation of more innovative and useful software.
The GPL also ensures that users have the freedom to access and modify the source code of the software they use.
This can be especially important for users who rely on software to run their businesses or organizations, as they can make customizations and improvements to the software to meet their specific needs.
Overall, the GPL is an important license that helps to promote the sharing and collaboration of software development, as well as ensure the freedom and accessibility of software for users.