(mysql.info)Copyright

There are several different copyrights on the MySQL distribution:

  1. The MySQL-specific source needed to build the `mysqlclient'
     library is licensed under the `LGPL' and programs in the `client'
     directory is GPL. Each file has a header that shows which
     copyright is used for that file.

  2. The client library and the (GNU `getopt') library are covered by
     the "GNU LIBRARY GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE."  Note: LGPL license.

  3. Some parts of the source (the `regexp' library) are covered by a
     Berkeley-style copyright.

  4. All the source in the server and the (GNU `readline') library is
     covered by the "GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE."  Note: GPL license.
     This is also available as the file `COPYING' in the distributions.


One goal is that the SQL client library should be free enough that it is
possible to add MySQL support into commercial products without a
license.  For this reason, we chose the LGPL license for the client
code.

This means that you can use MySQL for free with any program that uses
any of the free software licenses.  MySQL is also free for any end user
for his own or company usage.

However, if you use MySQL for something important to you, you may want
to help secure its development by purchasing licenses or a support
contract.  Note: Support.