title: What is the purpose of a license for open-source or free-software?
body: <p>I want to understand these from the very beginning. Say I've written some library in some language, and uploaded them to <a href="https://github.com/" rel="nofollow">github.com</a> for public access. Now anyone can see and <em>use</em> them. I cannot stop them from <em>using</em> it, while allowing them to <em>see</em> the code only, as anybody who can <em>see</em>, can also <em>use</em> it.</p>
  
  <p>My question is, what is the purpose of a license for such code? Does it stop them from <em>using</em> it? Or if they can still use it, does it (the license) <em>benefit me</em>  in any way? If yes, in what ways? </p>
  
  <p>If I don't use any license for my source-code, is that a bad idea? To put it differently, would I regret in future if I dont use any license for my source-code which I release to the public?</p>
  
  <p>What determines whether should I use any license or not? And on what basis should I choose a <em>particular</em> license for my code? How should I make <em>any decision</em> regarding licensing?</p>
  
  <p>Please help me understand these things.</p>