A software license is a legal agreement that defines how a user can use a software program. It outlines the rights and restrictions associated with the software, such as whether it can be copied, modified, or shared. Different types of licenses exist, including proprietary licenses, which restrict usage, and open-source licenses, which allow users to access and modify the source code. Understanding software licenses is important for both developers and users. For developers, it protects their intellectual property, while for users, it ensures compliance with legal terms. Common examples of software licenses include the GNU General Public License and MIT License.