# Corsair Project Licensing: Apache License 2.0 Explained

> Understand Corsair project licensing with our explanation of the Apache License 2.0. Learn about commercial use, modification, and distribution under this permissive open-source license.

- Repository: [corsairdev/corsair](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair)
- Tags: licensing
- Published: 2026-09-01

---

**The Corsair project is released under the Apache License Version 2.0**, a permissive open-source license that allows commercial use, modification, and distribution with minimal restrictions.

This licensing choice reflects the project's commitment to open collaboration. Understanding the specific terms helps developers know their rights and obligations when using or contributing to the `corsairdev/corsair` codebase.

## What the Apache 2.0 License Allows

Under the Apache License 2.0, you are free to:

- **Use** the software for any purpose, including commercial applications
- **Modify** the source code and create derivative works
- **Distribute** the original or modified code, provided you follow three key requirements

The three distribution requirements are straightforward:

1. Include a copy of the Apache 2.0 license with your distribution
2. Preserve all original copyright notices
3. Document any changes you make to the files

## Where to Find the License in the Repository

The complete licensing information resides in two critical locations within the repository structure:

### `LICENSE` File (Root Directory)

The full Apache 2.0 license text is stored in the repository's root [`LICENSE`](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair/blob/main/LICENSE) file. This document contains the complete legal terms, including the warranty disclaimer and liability limitation clauses standard to Apache-licensed projects.

### [`package.json`](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair/blob/main/package.json) Declaration

The root [[`package.json`](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair/blob/main/package.json)](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair/blob/main/package.json) explicitly declares the license field:

```json
{
  "license": "Apache-2.0"
}

```

This declaration ensures npm, Yarn, and other package management tools correctly identify and respect the project's licensing terms.

## License Scope Across the Codebase

The Apache 2.0 license applies to **all packages under the `packages/` directory** unless a sub-package explicitly declares otherwise. As of the current repository state, no sub-packages override this licensing—all inherit the root Apache 2.0 terms.

The [[`AGENTS.md`](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair/blob/main/AGENTS.md)](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair/blob/main/AGENTS.md) file, while not a licensing document, illustrates how the license extends across Corsair's plugin architecture. Since the plugin system described in this file exists within the same licensed codebase, third-party plugins developed against these APIs operate under the same Apache 2.0 framework.

## Practical Implementation Examples

When extending Corsair or creating compatible packages, follow these conventions from the source repository.

### Adding License Headers to New Files

Include the standard Apache 2.0 header in any new TypeScript modules:

```ts
/**
 * © 2026 Corsair Developers
 *
 * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
 * You may obtain a copy of the License at
 *
 *   http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
 *
 * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
 * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
 * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
 * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 * limitations under the License.
 */

```

### Declaring Dependencies in [`package.json`](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair/blob/main/package.json)

When publishing packages that depend on Corsair, specify your license clearly:

```json
{
  "name": "my-corsair-extension",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "license": "Apache-2.0",
  "description": "A plugin that extends Corsair functionality."
}

```

Both patterns align with the conventions established throughout the Corsair repository.

## Summary

- Corsair uses the **Apache License Version 2.0**, a permissive open-source license
- The complete license text lives in the root `LICENSE` file
- Root [`package.json`](https://github.com/corsairdev/corsair/blob/main/package.json) explicitly declares `"license": "Apache-2.0"`
- All `packages/` subdirectories inherit this licensing by default
- Distribution requires: license copy, copyright preservation, and change documentation
- No warranty is provided; liability is limited per standard Apache terms

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I use Corsair in a commercial project without paying royalties?

Yes. The Apache License 2.0 explicitly permits commercial use without royalty obligations. You may incorporate Corsair into proprietary products, sell services built on it, or use it internally—the license imposes no restrictions on commercial applications.

### Do I need to open-source my modifications to Corsair?

No. Unlike GPL-style licenses, Apache 2.0 does not require you to distribute source code for your modifications. You may keep changes private or release them under a different license. You must only document changes you make to existing files when you do distribute them.

### What happens if Corsair later changes its license?

The Apache 2.0 license is irrevocable for versions you have already received. If the project changed licenses in the future, that change would only apply to future releases. Any code you obtained under Apache 2.0 remains under those terms permanently.