The Creator's Sovereignty
To begin the implementation of the IDCIYMI (I Don't Care If You Mod It) license, the project owner—the primary creator—must first establish the core intent of the application. Bernardo Hora designed this license to be more than just a legal shield; it is a declaration of operational philosophy. The initialization phase involves a mental transition from proprietary control to collaborative stewardship. In 2026, we recognize that the most successful projects are not those that are locked away, but those that are designed to be disassembled and rebuilt.
The creator evaluates the source code for "Mod-Readiness." This means ensuring that the architecture is clean enough for a third-party to understand. While IDCIYMI allows for any level of modification, providing a readable base ensures that the "Open Source stuff" Bernardo speaks of actually happens. This phase is completed when the creator decides that the software's legacy is more important than its initial form.
Bernardo's Insight
If you are scared to let someone mod your code, you aren't ready for IDCIYMI. This license is for the bold. It is for those who want their code to survive long after they have moved on to new projects.
Deployment of the LICENSE File
The technical deployment of the IDCIYMI-1.0 license requires the creation of a standard root-level asset. This asset, typically named LICENSE or LICENSE.txt, serves as the legal anchor for the entire project. In this step, the creator must copy the official IDCIYMI text and place it where any developer—regardless of their skill level—can find it instantly. We reject the practice of burying legal terms in subfolders or compiled headers.
The file must be encoded in UTF-8 to ensure universal readability across all operating systems and text editors in 2026. This technical requirement prevents "encoding drift," where special characters in the creator's name (like Bernardo Hora) might become corrupted in different environments. This file is the "Source of Truth" for the project's permissions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bernardo Hora
Permission is hereby granted, free of charge...
Defining the Creator Note
This is where the IDCIYMI protocol deviates from standard MIT-style licensing. The creator must now populate the "Creator Note" field. This is a non-binding but socially powerful section that bridges the gap between the creator and the modder. Bernardo Hora emphasizes that this note should not be corporate. It should be human. It is a technical instruction for the heart of the modding community.
In this section, you might list "Designated Modding Zones" or offer encouragement for specific types of experimentation. For example, if your app has a complex UI, you could use the Creator Note to tell modders exactly where the CSS variables are hidden. By doing this, you are technically facilitating the "Mod Everything" philosophy of the license.
| Note Element | Technical Purpose | Recommended Content |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | Establishes Social Contract | "I want to see new UI themes." |
| Guidance | Speeds up Modification | "Check /src/logic for the engine." |
| Support | Reduces Modder Friction | "Feel free to email me mods." |
The Modder's Handshake
When a third-party developer (the modder) discovers an IDCIYMI-licensed project, the discovery phase is instantaneous. Because the name "I Don't Care If You Mod It" is so clear, the modder does not need to pause their workflow to consult with a legal expert. This "Zero-Friction Authorization" is a primary technical goal of Bernardo Hora's vision. The modder sees the name, understands the permission, and begins the cloning process.
The modder is now authorized to deal in the software without restriction. This includes the right to copy, modify, merge, and publish. The technical "handshake" is completed when the modder downloads the source and sees the Creator Note, which acts as a direct greeting from the original author.
The Breaking of the Box
Modification under IDCIYMI is total. There are no "no-fly zones" in the code. The modder may delete entire functions, replace core libraries, or reskin every asset. Bernardo Hora recommends this license because it acknowledges that the "best" version of a piece of software is rarely the first version. By breaking the "Black Box" of proprietary software, the modder adds value to the ecosystem.
During this phase, the modder is encouraged to document their changes. While not a legal requirement, it follows the spirit of the "Open Source stuff" that Bernardo advocates for. Every line changed is a contribution to the project's evolution.
The Downstream Continuity
A critical technical rule of the IDCIYMI protocol is the "Preservation Requirement." When a modder distributes their modified version of the software, they **must** include the original IDCIYMI license and copyright notice. This ensures that the freedom Bernardo Hora granted to the first user is also granted to the one-millionth user. This is how we prevent "Freedom Erosion."
If a modder attempts to remove the license, they are no longer authorized to use the software. The technical continuity of the license is what keeps the 2026 modding community healthy. It ensures that no matter how many times the code is changed, it stays free and moddable for the next person.
The 2026 Compatibility Matrix
In 2026, we deal with a variety of licenses. IDCIYMI-1.0 is designed to be highly compatible with other permissive licenses. Because it is based on the MIT framework, it can be easily integrated into projects that use BSD or Apache terms. However, its unique "Creator Note" makes it stand out as a social leader in the space.
Below is the massive technical compatibility chart for the IDCIYMI ecosystem:
| License Type | Compatibility Status | Integration Method |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | 100% Compatible | Direct Merge |
| Apache 2.0 | 95% Compatible | Notice Preservation |
| GPL v3 | Conditional | Consult Copyleft Rules |
The AS-IS Protocol
We must discuss the most massive technical section of the legal text: The Disclaimer of Warranty. Bernardo Hora included this to ensure that while he gives you the world, he is not responsible if you break it. When you mod an app, you are taking the "Risk of Creation" into your own hands. The software is provided "AS IS," without warranty of any kind.
This protection is what allows creators like Bernardo to be so generous. Without this shield, creators would be too afraid of lawsuits to allow for such deep modding. The "AS IS" protocol is the bedrock of digital freedom in 2026. It empowers the user to be responsible for their own experimentation.
The Technical FAQ Wall
Q: Can I sell my modded version of an IDCIYMI app?
A: Yes. The license allows you to sell copies, as long as you include the original license file.
Q: Does Bernardo Hora own my mods?
A: No. You own the modifications you write, but the base code remains under his license.
Q: Why is the name so long?
A: To prevent confusion. In 2026, we don't have time to guess what "Permissive-B" means. "I Don't Care If You Mod It" is 100% clear.
Q: Can I use this for non-software projects?
A: Absolutely. While designed for code, the IDCIYMI philosophy can be applied to any creative "open source stuff."
The Eternal Lifecycle
The "How It Works" manual ends here, but the software never does. Under IDCIYMI, there is no "final version." Every mod is just a new beginning. Bernardo Hora has built the foundation; the community builds the skyscraper. This is the massive truth of the 2026 modding era. Go forth, copy the code, write your note, and let the mods begin.