The GNU General Public License (GPLv2 or later) is the open‐source license used by WordPress, and it underpins the entire ecosystem. This means WordPress core and all code that links with it (such as plugins and themes) are GPL-licensed. WordPress.org explicitly notes that “derivatives of WordPress code inherit the GPL license,” and that plugins and themes are considered derivative works. In practice, any PHP code loaded with WordPress is treated as a derivative work and must be distributed under GPLv2 or a compatible license wordpress.org. Thus all WordPress plugins are GPL-licensed by design, ensuring they share WordPress’s free‐software ethos.
The Four Freedoms of the GPL
The GPL grants four essential “free software” freedoms to users. In simple terms, anyone who obtains a GPL‐licensed plugin has the right to:
- Use: Run the software for any purpose.
- Study/Modify: Examine and change the code to suit one’s needs.
- Redistribute: Share copies of the software with others (helping your neighbors).
- Contribute: Release your improvements publicly under the same license so the whole community benefits.
These freedoms mean a GPL plugin can be installed on unlimited sites, its source code inspected or customized, and copies freely shared or improved. Importantly, “free” refers to freedom, not price. A plugin author may charge for support or convenience, but the code itself remains open and shareable under GPL terms wordpress.org.
WordPress Plugins as GPL Derivative Works
Because WordPress core is GPL, plugin developers must also honor the license. WordPress.org’s own guidelines make this clear. The WordPress plugin directory requires all hosted code to comply with GPLv2 or later developer.wordpress.org. In other words, even if a plugin is sold commercially, its PHP code must be GPL‐compatible to work with WordPress. As one forum expert summarizes, “all plugins and themes PHP code should be GPLv2” when mixed with WordPress core code wordpress.org. In short, distributing a plugin under the GPL is both legal and expected. WordPress actively encourages GPL compliance: by insisting on GPL licensing for all directory content, it ensures that themes and plugins remain open-source just like the core software developer.wordpress.orgwordpress.org.
Legality of Distributing GPL Plugins
Under the GPL, redistribution is explicitly permitted. Distributing GPL-licensed plugins – including premium or paid plugins – is entirely legal, provided the terms of the license are met. For example, a recent analysis notes that “distributing GPL-licensed plugins… is legal — but it comes with nuances”. The key requirement is simply to include the original GPL notice and source code with any redistributed files. WordPress’s own community affirms this: one moderator explains that the GPL grants “the freedom to share the software with your friends and neighbors,” which covers sharing plugin code wordpress.org. In practice, this means anyone can legally host or share original GPL plugin packages (even if they were sold commercially) so long as the GPL terms remain intact developer.wordpress.org. Far from being frowned upon, this open‐sharing model is consistent with WordPress policy and the spirit of the GPL.
WPPick.com: Premium GPL Plugin Repository
WPPick.com is a reputable platform built on these GPL principles. It offers a broad catalog of popular premium WordPress plugins and themes, all redistributed under the GNU GPL. According to WPPick’s FAQ, they “offer the most popular premium WordPress themes, plugins, and WooCommerce extensions,” and their library is “constantly updated with new releases” wppick.com. In other words, users can find many high-end plugins on WPPick at no cost, with all files provided as the original GPL code. WPPick explicitly separates code from support, so customers “pay only for the software itself” and not for developer support services wppick.com. This aligns with the GPL’s ethos: the platform grants access to plugin code while leaving official support as an optional (paid) add-on.
Crucially, WPPick emphasizes trust and compliance. The site assures users that every plugin is the authentic, unmodified package released by the original developer. Its strict upload process means no hidden code is inserted; “we do not inject ads, trackers, or hidden backdoors—only the original GPL code” wppick.com. In practice, this yields cleaner, safer code for end users. WPPick also highlights that downloading is free upon account creation (“Downloading is free—just create an account and sign in” wppick.com), and users may install their downloads on unlimited sites under the GPL wppick.com.
Key Features of WPPick.com
- Regular Updates: WPPick keeps its library in sync with developers. The site is “constantly updated with new releases” of premium plugins wppick.com, and logged‐in members can always fetch the latest versions from their dashboard wppick.com. This means users quickly gain access to new plugin features and security fixes.
- Clean, Original Code: Every plugin file on WPPick is the untouched, genuine code from the developer wppick.com. WPPick’s review process ensures that plugins are “the unaltered, authentic package” with no malicious injections wppick.com. This commitment to authenticity provides confidence that downloaded plugins are as safe as the official releases.
- Integrated Security Scans: All WPPick files are pre-scanned for malware. In fact, each plugin page includes a “VirusTotal Scan” link so users can verify the file’s safety before downloading wppick.com. By leveraging VirusTotal’s database, users can see real-time scan results for known threats. This transparency – showing the same scan used by security professionals – adds an extra layer of trust for premium GPL plugins.
- GPL Compliance: WPPick clearly states that “every item on WPpick is distributed under the GNU GPL” wppick.com. This means that all downloads carry the official GPLv2-or-later license, in full compliance with WordPress.org’s requirements wppick.com developer.wordpress.org. Source code is fully included, giving users all four GPL freedoms with each download.
By combining these features, WPPick.com serves as a professional, GPL-compliant source for premium WordPress plugins. Its model fully aligns with WordPress policy and the GPL’s principles. Users who choose WPPick can be confident they are obtaining legal, unmodified plugin code with the speed and transparency modern sites demand. In short, WPPick.com enables the use of premium GPL plugins in a way that is both secure and respectful of the open-source license.
