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---
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title: Vim License
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spdx-id: Vim
description: There are no restrictions on using or distributing an unmodified copy of the software. Parts of the software may also be distributed, but the license text must always be included. For modified versions a few restrictions apply. The license is GPL compatible, you may compile the software with GPL libraries and distribute it.
how: Create a text file (typically named LICENSE or LICENSE.txt) in the root of your source code and copy the text of the license into the file. Replace [project] with the project name.
using:
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Vim: https://github.com/vim/vim/blob/master/LICENSE
Pathogen: https://github.com/tpope/vim-pathogen/blob/master/LICENSE
vim-license-gen: https://github.com/othree/vim-license/blob/master/LICENSE
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permissions:
- commercial-use
- modifications
- distribution
- private-use
conditions:
- include-copyright
- document-changes
- disclose-source
- same-license
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limitations: []
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---
VIM LICENSE
I) There are no restrictions on distributing unmodified copies of [project]
except that they must include this license text. You can also distribute
unmodified parts of [project], likewise unrestricted except that they must
include this license text. You are also allowed to include executables
that you made from the unmodified [project] sources, plus your own usage
examples and Vim scripts.
II) It is allowed to distribute a modified (or extended) version of [project],
including executables and/or source code, when the following four
conditions are met:
1) This license text must be included unmodified.
2) The modified [project] must be distributed in one of the following five
ways:
a) If you make changes to [project] yourself, you must clearly describe
in the distribution how to contact you. When the maintainer asks
you (in any way) for a copy of the modified [project] you
distributed, you must make your changes, including source code,
available to the maintainer without fee. The maintainer reserves
the right to include your changes in the official version of
[project]. What the maintainer will do with your changes and under
what license they will be distributed is negotiable. If there has
been no negotiation then this license, or a later version, also
applies to your changes. The current maintainer is Bram Moolenaar
<Bram@vim.org>. If this changes it will be announced in appropriate
places (most likely vim.sf.net, www.vim.org and/or comp.editors).
When it is completely impossible to contact the maintainer, the
obligation to send him your changes ceases. Once the maintainer has
confirmed that he has received your changes they will not have to be
sent again.
b) If you have received a modified [project] that was distributed as
mentioned under a) you are allowed to further distribute it
unmodified, as mentioned at I). If you make additional changes the
text under a) applies to those changes.
c) Provide all the changes, including source code, with every copy of
the modified [project] you distribute. This may be done in the form
of a context diff. You can choose what license to use for new code
you add. The changes and their license must not restrict others
from making their own changes to the official version of [project].
d) When you have a modified [project] which includes changes as
mentioned under c), you can distribute it without the source code
for the changes if the following three conditions are met:
- The license that applies to the changes permits you to distribute
the changes to the Vim maintainer without fee or restriction, and
permits the Vim maintainer to include the changes in the official
version of [project] without fee or restriction.
- You keep the changes for at least three years after last
distributing the corresponding modified [project]. When the
maintainer or someone who you distributed the modified [project]
to asks you (in any way) for the changes within this period, you
must make them available to him.
- You clearly describe in the distribution how to contact you. This
contact information must remain valid for at least three years
after last distributing the corresponding modified [project], or
as long as possible.
e) When the GNU General Public License (GPL) applies to the changes,
you can distribute the modified [project] under the GNU GPL version
2 or any later version.
3) A message must be added, at least in the output of the ":version"
command and in the intro screen, such that the user of the modified
[project] is able to see that it was modified. When distributing as
mentioned under 2)e) adding the message is only required for as far as
this does not conflict with the license used for the changes.
4) The contact information as required under 2)a) and 2)d) must not be
removed or changed, except that the person himself can make
corrections.
III) If you distribute a modified version of [project], you are encouraged to
use the Vim license for your changes and make them available to the
maintainer, including the source code. The preferred way to do this is
by e-mail or by uploading the files to a server and e-mailing the URL. If
the number of changes is small (e.g., a modified Makefile) e-mailing a
context diff will do. The e-mail address to be used is
<maintainer@vim.org>
IV) It is not allowed to remove this license from the distribution of the
[project] sources, parts of it or from a modified version. You may use
this license for previous [project] releases instead of the license that
they came with, at your option.
