The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a free and open-source software license that allows users to use, study, share, modify, and distribute software and other works. It aims to guarantee users' freedom to use software for any purpose by preventing restrictions imposed by copyright holders. The GPL applies to works released under this license by their authors and can be applied to other authors' works as well. It provides legal protection for developers and users, including preventing patents from making software proprietary.