LICENSE present (DOC_LICENSE_EXISTS)

Code DOC_LICENSE_EXISTS · Severity Required · Category Documentation · Applies to Universal

A LICENSE file at the root tells contributors and users what they can do with the code. Without one, default copyright leaves the code unusable for everyone but the author.

What is checked

The scan looks for any of these names at the repository root:

LICENSE · LICENSE.md · LICENSE.txt · LICENCE · LICENCE.md · COPYING

If one of these files exists the rule passes; if none do, it fails.

Why it matters

Without a license file, the repository is under default “all rights reserved” copyright - others cannot legally use, modify, or distribute the code. For open-source or shared internal projects this effectively blocks collaboration and creates risk in compliance audits.

How to comply

1. Choose a license that fits the project (e.g. MIT, Apache-2.0, GPL-3.0). If unsure, choosealicense.com can help.
2. Add the license text to the repository root as a file named LICENSE.
3. Push the change and re-run the scan.

Private repositories

On a private repository this rule is off by default and shows as skipped: a licence speaks to people outside the company, and an internal service has none. Switch it on for the project, the workspace or the installation to check it anyway - an explicit setting always wins.