WordPress shouldn’t be expensive

Background

Most people are familiar with the term ‘open source.’ It means a piece of software, or code, that is free to use. You’re free to use, copy, study, change, improve or redistribute the software as you like.

WordPress is open source software and is founded upon the GPL (General Public Licence) that you can read more about over at the WordPress website licence page.

The main point to note is that any software that is built upon WordPress must carry forward the original GPL licence.

… we feel strongly that plugins and themes are derivative work and thus inherit the GPL license.

— wordpress.org


What this means for you

It doesn’t mean that developers can’t charge you to buy the code they have developed. What it does mean is that once you have bought that code, you are free to do whatever you like with it.

… if you distribute copies of such a program, whether gratis or for a fee, you must pass on to the recipients the same freedoms that you received. You must make sure that they, too, receive or can get the source code. And you must show them these terms so they know their rights.

— GPLv3 licence

So, it’s perfectly legal to download the plugins and themes from this site. Download as many as you like and use them in as many projects as you want.


Please note – a short disclaimer

The main difference between us and the developer is that we do not offer any support. This is how we are able to redistribute the software at a fraction of the original price.

So, if you can think you will need ongoing technical support for a product then please consider buying from the developer. Links to each developer are provided on the directory pages.

The support terms of the software can sometimes vary so be sure to check out what you’re paying for when you purchase the product directly from them.

We think we make it perfectly clear that whilst the products on 5DollarCode.com are the genuine products – we are not the original authors. We are simply redistributing the software, as it is our right to do so, under the GPL licence. But for the avoidance of any doubt or confusion:

We are not connected, associated or endorsed by any of the companies whose products are mentioned on this site. Any mention of these companies is purely so that our customers are not misled as to the original source of the product and so they have the choice whether to buy from us or from them.

You may also want to visit our FAQ page for further information about us and the GPL licence. If you have any questions, please contact us.