Glossary

Definitions of common terms used throughout GrootMade and the GPL ecosystem.

A

API Key

A unique identifier used to authenticate requests to the GrootMade API. Treat it like a password.

Auto-Update

The automatic process of downloading and installing new versions of themes and plugins without manual intervention.

B

Bulk Download

Downloading multiple products at once, either individually or as a single ZIP file.

Bookmark

Save a product for quick access later. Find bookmarks in your dashboard.

C

Collection

A curated group of themes and plugins, either created by you or shared by the community.

Connector Plugin

The WP plugin that links your site to GrootMade for downloads and auto-updates.

Contributor

A community member who helps maintain the library by forking, updating, or improving products.

D

Derivative Work

Software that is based on or extends another program. Under GPL, derivative works must also be GPL-licensed.

Download Limit

The maximum number of products you can download per day/month, based on your plan.

F

Fork

Creating your own version of GPL-licensed software. GrootMade products are forks of original GPL sources.

Four Freedoms

The foundational principles of the GPL: freedom to use, study, share, and improve software.

G

GPL (GNU General Public License)

A free software license that guarantees users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify software.

GNU

A free operating system project and the organization behind the GPL license.

L

License Key

A code used by software to verify authorized use. GrootMade uses API keys instead of traditional license keys.

M

Maintainer

A contributor who takes responsibility for keeping a product updated and functional.

Malware

Malicious software. All GrootMade products are scanned for malware before publishing.

O

Open Source

Software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. GPL is one type of open-source license.

P

Product

A theme or plugin available in the GrootMade library.

Pro Plan

GrootMade's premium subscription offering unlimited downloads and auto-updates.

R

Redistribution

Sharing copies of software with others. GPL explicitly allows redistribution.

Rollback

Reverting to a previous version of a product after an update causes issues.

S

Security Scan

Automated checking of products for malware, vulnerabilities, and suspicious code.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

Cloud-based software accessed via subscription. Some plugin features require SaaS connections that may not work with forks.

T

Trademark

A protected brand name, logo, or identifier. GrootMade respects trademarks by rebranding forked products.

Transient

Temporary cached data in WP. Old transients should be cleaned periodically.

U

Update

A new version of a product, which may include bug fixes, new features, or security patches.

Upstream

The original source of a forked product. Updates flow from upstream to our forks.

V

Version

A numbered release of software (e.g., 2.1.0). Higher numbers generally mean newer releases.

Vulnerability

A security weakness that could be exploited. We prioritize patching vulnerabilities quickly.

W

White-Label

Running GrootMade under your own branding for resale or client use.

WP

The open-source content management system that powers over 40% of websites. GrootMade products are for WP.

WP-CLI

Command-line interface for WP, useful for managing GrootMade products via terminal.

Acronyms

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