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Which license should we pick?

Which license should we pick?“Write a license policy first. Every future repo inherits it.”Alex Chen, The Architect

💡 WHY ALEX IS RIGHT

Choosing a license per repository means having the same debate every time, with different people, and ending up with a portfolio nobody can summarize for an acquirer. A short policy settles the general case once: which license by default, when copyleft or source-available is allowed, who approves exceptions, and how outside contributions are accepted. New repositories inherit the answer, and the hard conversation happens one time, with the right people in the room.

✅ RIGHT WHEN

The company will publish more than one project, or already has a mixed bag of licenses.

🚩 TOO FAR WHEN

The policy has a decision tree, a committee and a form, and the repo has been waiting since spring.

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