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1.5 Organization and Licensing

1.5.1 Open Source License​

Learning Objectives
LO-1.5.1

Recall the type of open-source license under which Robot Framework is distributed

Robot Framework is licensed under the Apache License 2.0, a permissive open-source license. The key characteristics of this license include:

  • Permissive: The license allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software, including for commercial purposes, without significant restrictions.
  • No Warranty: The software is provided "as-is," without any warranties or guarantees of performance.
  • Attribution: Users must keep the original authorship and any changes made to the code visible, ensuring transparency regarding contributions and modifications.

This licensing structure encourages broad usage and contribution while maintaining a legal framework that protects both users and developers.

1.5.2 About the Robot Framework Foundation​

Learning Objectives
LO-1.5.2

List and recall the key objectives and organizational form of the Robot Framework Foundation

The Robot Framework Foundation (officially known as Robot Framework ry) is a non-profit association based in Helsinki, Finland, dedicated to promoting the use, development, and maintenance of the open-source Robot Framework. The foundation ensures that Robot Framework remains freely available and viable for both test automation and robotic process automation (RPA) in the future.

Key objectives of the foundation include:

  • Support for Core Development: The foundation funds and enables the core development, maintenance, and evolution of the Robot Framework, ensuring it is freely available to everyone. It also supports ecosystem and user-contributed projects that further enhance the framework's capabilities.

  • Democratic Governance: The foundation operates under democratic principles, with a Board of Directors elected annually by its members. The board oversees the foundation's operations, and membership primarily consists of companies that contribute financially to support the framework’s ongoing development through membership fees.

  • Platform Maintenance: The foundation is responsible for maintaining key infrastructure, such as the official website, GitHub repositories, and community platforms. These resources are crucial to sustaining a healthy ecosystem and fostering collaboration among users and contributors.

  • Community Support and Events: The foundation plays a central role in organizing RoboCon, the annual Robot Framework User Conference, which brings together users, developers, and contributors to share knowledge and insights. Additionally, it helps to disseminate knowledge about test automation and RPA through community events and documentation efforts.

  • Funding of Ecosystem Projects: Whenever possible, the foundation finances open-source projects that are proposed by community members, aiming to support broader ecosystem development and innovation.

As a non-profit association, all funds are directed towards the development and promotion of the Robot Framework, ensuring that it remains accessible to all users without commercial restrictions.

More information, including a list of foundation members, is available at robotframework.org/foundation.

This structure and mission ensure that Robot Framework continues to grow and serve the needs of its community while maintaining an open and democratic approach to its development and governance.

1.5.3 Robot Framework Webpages​

Learning Objectives
LO-1.5.3

Recall the official webpages for Robot Framework and its resources

The official pages for Robot Framework and its related resources are maintained by the foundation. These include: