GPL license

It's called the GNU GPL.

And you should clarify which version. There are minor differences in the GNU GPLv2 and GNU GPLv3 in regards to how it applies to uncompiled scripting languages.

That being said, both are distribution licenses only, not EULAs (albeit GPLv3 borders on that). You can use the code without obligations if you do not redistribute it in any way. No paying, no attribution, no publishing required on your part.

The GNU GPL, as it is actually called, does allow usage without accepting the license (clause 5 in GPLv2.1). This usage permission applies to said friend. However, he may not distribute the combined work.

Using it internally (applies to webserver case): yes.

Distributing this mixed code as software package: no.

 Actually, there is a modified version(AGPL) that is specifically designed to force web apps to release the code. If the binaries are running on the server, you don't have any obligation under vanilla GPLv2.