I have been modifying an existing software (which was under the GPL licence). At my workplace, they needed to use the software, but needed some modifications (like new features, different structure, feature modification and removing unused functionalities).
I am about to finish this, but would not like to disrespect the original creator by not abiding the licence. I read several sources like the GPL licence official page, the software's official page and many others, to know what the licence asks from me.
However, I still have some unclear points, like:
- Should I inform the original creator of how I am using the program and of my modifications?
- In the licence included in the project, should I state the original source? Should I also make it visible so that any users know that this project was only modified by me?
- Should I leave all the original code (commented) so that it can be seen what I changed?
- I have to prepare a report stating what languages, libraries and frameworks were used and what does the project do. Should I acknowledge the creator here?
I really don't want to be dishonest, but one of my bosses asked me to modify an existing project to spare some time and to take advantage of professional coders with more experience than me. He asked me not to tell anybody about it. Another very important person in the company might be against it once he finds out. I do not want to lie and will clearly state the original owner for everyone to see, if that is required.
Also, whatever the case is, I do intend to credit the owner in the source code, so that at the very least, other programmers know the origin of the project. And if I am asked, I will not deny having modified an existing project. However, it would be really problematic acknowledging the owner for the public eye or in the reports handed to the project managers - especially since they did not even ask about it.