Source code and legalalities?

Question

Is it legal to copy a sorce code, and edit in such a way it would be entirely different from the original sorce code, such as changing the wording, adding or taking off parts, rearranging words to where it would then be unique to you

Answer 1

This is where it becomes very subjective.



Essentially, if you modify the original beyond recognition then you are completely safe (e.g. if you are inspired by a technique used, and adapt it to something completely different).



That being said, it is subjective and if the original copyright holder can identify their work in your compilation, then they may choose to persue legal action and you must then prove to the court that your code is unique.



It also depends of course on what license the code was released under and whether or not you have obtained permission to use it.



Edit: Changing or rearranging words is not good enough. By changing it beyond recognition, I mean completely change the code and the purpose it serves, so that you are only using it as 'inspiration' to help you solve other related programming problems.

Answer 2

If you modify it only as far as making it look like yours, it's illegal.



If it's in the public domain, read the license. You may be allowed to use it for "any purpose" - that would mean what it says, including changing the display to put your name on it and selling it. Or it might be more restrictive (which it most likely is), in which case you'd be in violation if you violated it.



Changing wording, deleting parts and putting your name on a program isn't considered adding anything to it, so the original copyright owner still owns the copyright to your version. (If you change - add to or modify, not delete from - the original code, you hold the copyright to the parts you wrote - the original copyright holder still holds the copyright to the rest.)

Answer 3

i urge to selection. in case you look at somebody else source code to ensure how they did something then you certainly change around and build it your self no longer using theres notice for notice (no replica and paste) you will desire to be high-quality. attempt to no longer use the comparable format or photos or something. in case your merely using it to income some skills i think of your high-quality as long as you at the instant are not using there code desire that enables

Answer 4

That is only OK if the code is in the public domain, or if the licensing agreement says that you can.



Otherwise, stealing source code is illegal.