Skip to main content
search

FAQ

General

What is the SPDX Specification?

The SPDX organization does not and can not make it a requirement for anyone to use the SPDX specification.  However, we do encourage the use of SPDX as a way to streamline the processes needed to analyze software for open source licenses.  However, there may be companies or organizations that DO require use of the SPDX specification and the creation of SPDX files as part of contracts with their supply chain partners.  For example, a mobile handset vendor might require, as part of a contract, that it’s supplier provide an SPDX file along with any software.

Who created the SPDX spec?

The specification is being created by a working group of the Linux Foundation.  Its members represent a wide spectrum of open source creators and consumers, including open source communities, Linux distros, mobile supply chain companies, software companies, makers of open source scanning tools and service providers.  The process is an open process, run much like an open source community, and the group is open for anyone that wants to participate.  Membership in the Linux Foundation is not required to participate.

Using the SPDX Specification

Is an SPDX file associated with a particular piece of software?

Yes.  An SPDX file is associated with a specific version of a software package.  A package may consist of one or more files. When any changes are made to a particular version of software, the corresponding SPDX file will also need to be updated to reflect those changes.

What information is included in an SPDX file?

We refer you to the SPDX specification for specific details, but at a high level, a SPDX file represents components, licenses, and copyrights associated with a particular version of a software package.  For example, it includes license information (if any) associated with each file found within the package.  It may also include information about what open source project or component the file originated from.

Is SPDX for open source packages only or can I use it with software that is a mix of both open source and proprietary?

SPDX files can be created for any software component that consists of one or more files. The software component is typically represented as a single archive file (e.g .tar, .gz, .bz2, .zip, … ).

How do I know if the information included in the SPDX file is accurate?

There are several ways to assess the level of trust in an SPDX file.

  • Each SPDX file includes a history of who created and reviewed the information — similar to what you would see for authors of open source code.  By reviewing that information, you can make your own assessment of the level of trust you place in the creators.
  • In cases where you receive the SPDX file from a supply chain partner, you may also have separate contractual arrangements whereby a supplier vouches for or guarantees the accuracy of the SPDX file.
  • You may choose to use software tools that can scan software and validate the accuracy of the SPDX file.

How does SPDX work with binaries?

Binary files represent just another file type. License information (if known) should be assigned to each file regardless of its file type (e.g., binary, source, script …).

The Creator field is mandatory. If my organization does not permit me or my organization to be listed in the Creator field, is the SPDX file non-compliant?

Although including a value for this field is mandatory, one can always choose the value: ANONYMOUS as described in section 3 of the specification. Use of the ANONYMOUS value would be compliant with the SPDX specification.

Why does the specification include examples for both Name/Value tag and RDF/XML formats?

Name/Value tag and RDF/XML formats are two very popular data syntax representations used within the open source community. The SPDX file creator can choose to represent the SPDX data using either format and therefore examples are provided for both.

Why are there two package identifier fields Package Checksum and Package Verification?

Although the values of the two fields Package Checksum and Package Verification are similar, they each serve a different purpose. The Package Checksum provides a unique identifier of a software package which is computed by taking the SHA1 of the entire software package file. This enables one to quickly determine if two different copies of a package are the same.  One disadvantage of this approach is that one cannot add an SPDX data file into the original package without changing the Package Checksum value. Alternatively, the Package Verification field enables the inclusion of an SPDX file. It enables one to quickly verify if one or more of the original package files has changed. The Package Verification field is a unique identifier that is based on SHAing only the original package files (e.g., excluding the SPDX file). This allows one to add an SPDX file to the original package without changing this unique identifier.

Can I use the SPDX trademark?

Yes. It is a registered trademark so don’t forget the (r).

Is there a designated file extension for SPDX files?

The SPDX specification does not specify which file extension a SDPX file should have. A common practice is to append the SPDX file with the extension .spdx.

Should the version number be included as part of the name in the package name field?

The specification does not specify whether the version number should or should not be included in the package name field. Since there is a designated field for the version number, it is a common practice not to include the version number in the package name field.

What license is the SPDX specification document available under?

The SPDX specification document is available under the  Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. A copy of the license can be found in the appendix of the specification.

What license is the SPDX file data under?

The first version of the specification requires the SPDX file data to be placed under the Open Data Commons Public Domain Dedication and License 1.0 (“PDDL-1.0”).  There are plans to revisit this requirement in future revisions of the specification. See section 2 of the specification for more details.

Can I share a collection of SPDX files I created with another party under confidential terms?

The specification states that although it requires the SPDX data to be available under the Open Data Commons Public Domain Dedication and License 1.0 (“PDDL-1.0”), it does not prohibit one from entering into a confidential agreement with another party where the agreement restricts sharing of the SPDX data. See section 2 of the specification for more details.

Tools

Are there tools available that can help me create, validate or read an SPDX file?

The SPDX Group has developed some open source tools to assist with creation, viewing, and validation of SPDX documents. The tools are intended to:

    • Reduce the effort of creating, consuming and validating SPDX Documents
    • Provide a translation from the technical document (e.g. RDF/XML or tag-value format) to a more readable format
    • Provide a mechanism for validating SPDX documents
    • Enable contributions and review of the tool implementation by the broader technical community through open source licensing

In addition, we expect that additional open source and proprietary tools will be created to help with these tasks. See the Tools Page for more information and to download documentation.

Close Menu