Why PHP Is Switching to a Modified BSD License Starting with PHP 9.0
A new RFC proposes changing PHP and the Zend engine to the Modified BSD License to improve GPL compatibility, deprecate existing licenses, and align with modern open‑source standards, with the change slated for PHP 9.0.
To better meet open‑source standards and improve GNU GPL compatibility, a new proposal suggests changing the PHP language and Zend engine licenses to the Modified BSD License.
Historically, PHP used a custom PHP License for its core and a separate Zend Engine License for the Zend library, a split intended for independent use that no longer fits after 25 years of tight integration.
Ben Ramsey, a well‑known PHP community figure, submitted an RFC recommending the Modified BSD License for PHP and Zend, to be adopted beginning with PHP 9.0.
The PHP project plans to collaborate with the PHP group and Perforce Software, the current owner of Zend Technology, to phase out the existing PHP License and Zend Engine License, strongly discouraging their use in new projects.
The Modified BSD License, approved by the Open Source Initiative and the Free Software Foundation, ensures compliance with current open‑source standards and GPL compatibility.
The proposal is under discussion, aiming to replace PHP License version 4 and Zend Engine License version 3 with the Modified BSD License.
Edited by: 行动的大雄
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