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Asked: 2026-05-24T09:13:52+00:00

I want to create a fork of a big opensource library/software. My intention is

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I want to create a fork of a big opensource library/software. My intention is not to go a different rout, or to change fundamentals of the software, but to add functionality I need in projects and follow the upstream distribution closely. .. but every source file of the library comes with a big fat header:

/*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*\
  =========                 |
  \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
   \\    /   O peration     |
    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2009-2011 OpenCFD Ltd.
     \\/     M anipulation  |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and goes on on on....

I know I have to keep the copyright of the original developer. Can I change the header ?? To something more compact like:

/* New Project - new project description
   Licensed under GPL v3
   Copyright (c) 2011-X My company
   Copyright (c) 2009-2011 OpenCFD Ltd.*/

If so.. how do I proceed when I want to merge new modifications from the upstream developer ??

If someone with experience on the matter could help, it would be wonderful! Thanks

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1 Answer

  1. Editorial Team

    If the intention is only to add functionality, why would you fork at all? They have git repository, clone it, and apply your patches/code on top of it. Your new files will have the headers you want. On modified one, I would leave it as is, and just add my copyright note for the changes.

    And who knows, maybe if there are enough users for the additions you make, these changes can find their way back in the upstream.

    Read the article To Fork or Not To Fork has some very interesting points.

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