Licensing Information
Relevant source files
The following files were used as context for generating this wiki page:
The Trans AI project is governed by a strict Open Source licensing model to ensure the freedom of its users to share and modify the software. The project adopts the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.0, which applies to all files within the distribution. This licensing framework is a core component of the project's development philosophy, particularly regarding community contributions and its distribution as an OpenTTD AI.
Trans AI is an automated opponent for OpenTTD that manages logistics via various transport modes. By contributing to this repository, developers agree to license their work under the same GNU GPL v2 terms, maintaining the project's integrity as free software.
Sources: README.md:83-86, license.txt:1-20
GNU General Public License v2.0 Overview
The GNU General Public License version 2.0 (June 1991) is designed to protect the "freedom" of software rather than its price. It ensures that users have the right to distribute copies, access source code, and modify the software for use in new free programs.
Core Permissions and Requirements
The license establishes a "copyleft" mechanism where any derivative work must also be licensed under the same GPL terms. This prevents the software from being incorporated into proprietary products.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Copying & Distribution | Verbatim copies can be distributed provided a copyright notice and warranty disclaimer are included. |
| Modification | Modified files must carry prominent notices of changes and dates. |
| Source Availability | Distribution of object code must be accompanied by the corresponding machine-readable source code. |
| No Warranty | The software is provided "AS IS" without any warranty to protect authors from reputation damage caused by others' modifications. |
Sources: license.txt:22-45, license.txt:77-113, license.txt:237-254
Licensing Logic and Compliance Flow
The following diagram illustrates the requirements for distributing or modifying Trans AI under the GPL v2 license:
The act of running the program is not restricted; however, distribution and modification trigger specific responsibilities to ensure the recipient receives the same rights.
Sources: license.txt:68-75, license.txt:87-105
Application to Contributions and Releases
The licensing policy is integrated into the project's development and release workflows. This includes the automated build process and the way local development versions are handled within the OpenTTD ecosystem.
Contribution Agreement
All contributors to the Trans AI repository automatically agree to license their contributions under the GNU GPL v2. This ensures that the cumulative work of the community remains open and accessible.
Sources: README.md:85-86
Release Distribution Licensing
Trans AI is distributed through multiple channels, all of which fall under the GPL v2 mandate:
- OpenTTD 'Bananas' Service: Official stable releases.
- GitHub Releases: Automated rolling builds via GitHub Actions.
- Source Cloning: Direct access to the repository for developers.
Automated Release Workflow
The project uses GitHub Actions to manage the lifecycle of releases, ensuring that the source remains the primary point of truth.
Implementation Details
The project uses specific files to communicate and enforce licensing terms:
- license.txt: Contains the full text of the GNU General Public License v2.0.
- info.nut: Contains metadata for the OpenTTD engine, including versioning logic that prevents conflict between official releases and local modified versions.
- README.md: Summarizes the licensing terms and contribution requirements.
Warranty and Liability
As per sections 11 and 12 of the license, there is no warranty for the program. The authors are not liable for any damages arising from the use or inability to use the program, including data loss or failure to operate with other programs.
Sources: license.txt:237-263, README.md:83-84
Conclusion
The Licensing Information of Trans AI is centered on the GNU GPL v2.0, ensuring the project remains a free resource for the OpenTTD community. By maintaining a transparent licensing structure, the project facilitates collaborative development while protecting the rights of both authors and users to share and improve the software.