Independent from and independent of - clarification needed

[piccolino]

Both idioms - independent from and independent of are accepted as valid GMAT idioms by official preparation material (VR 2nd ed page 292).

Please help make the difference between the two and give context. Thank you!

[mschwrtz]

The "independently" and the "from" in that question have nothing to do with one another, notwithstanding the explanation in the QR. "Independently" modifies "developed."

There are actually at least two other relevant forms: the adjective forms "independent of" and "independent from."

"Independent of" means "not influenced by." Most aid decisions are made independent of academic performance.

"Independent from" means "not reliant on," "politically autonomous from" or "free from." Algeria has been independent from France since 1962. Hmm...you decide which meaning applies there.