[diggan]

Well, kind of (at least last time I used it, which was Sublime Text 2). They say it's an evaluation but there is no time-limit, just an annoying popup every now and then (or on start? Can't remember) but it's effectively free if you're OK with that.

[hackmiester]

I mean, basically all desktop software is free if you’re okay with violating the license. Not something I’d advise if you’re trying to run a business.

[diggan]

Not at all because usually you have to circumvent some protection they have, and in that case the intent is to continue using the software in a way they didn't intend and probably breaking some agreement you made when installing/downloading.

In the Sublime Text case, they explicitly give you unlimited time to trial the software and buy it if you get value from it (which, if you do, please buy it [and same with other software] so we can make the world go around). Their license seems to explicitly say that you can evaluate it until you either stop using it or buy it, without breaking any agreement.

Edit: I should clarify more about my own position about it before it gets taken with the wrong idea in mind. I do agree that if you do continuously use Sublime Text (or other software with similar license/trials) and get value from it, you should absolutely buy it to support the developers. Continuing to use beyond that would not be the ethical thing to do. But it does seem like the developers of Sublime Text are confident enough that people who can afford it and gets value from it, will eventually purchase a license. Which, since the company still exists, seems to work out, and that's great to see.

[wolco]

Parent is correct. But business would want to buy a licease for support more than fear of legal threat or Oracle shakedown.

https://www.sublimetext.com/2

[lonelappde]

Support for a text editor?