GPL vs MIT: Why Your Dependency Tree Might Raise Questions
TL;DR: MIT is typically easy to adopt, while GPL can introduce reciprocal obligations that affect how you distribute and combine code. Many organizations flag GPL as higher risk and require explicit review.
High-level differences
- MIT is a permissive license that generally allows reuse with minimal conditions.
- GPL is a strong copyleft license that may require derivative works to be distributed under compatible terms.
- Many organizations have specific policies around when, if ever, GPL is allowed in production software.
Why tools flag GPL in dependency trees
Automated tools often highlight GPL because it can affect how your product is distributed, what you must disclose, and how you combine proprietary and open-source components.
Inspectly's Dependency License & Risk Inspector surfaces GPL occurrences so they can be reviewed with your legal or compliance team.
What to do if GPL appears
- Confirm whether the dependency is direct or transitive.
- Review the project's documentation and license text.
- Discuss with your legal or compliance team before making policy or architecture decisions.
See Where GPL Appears in Your Dependencies
Paste your dependency list into the Dependency License & Risk Inspector to quickly spot GPL and other strong copyleft licenses.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.