🚀 go-pugleaf

tron1@tronsbox.xei.com (Kenneth Jamieson) writes:
> 	This is a issue I am confused on (have asked before, gotten
> no clear answer.)
> 
> 	I someonw compiles a program with gcc, has he created an "aggregate 
> work" ?? The resulting binary will contain GPL code (includes, libraries)
> etc....
> 
> 	So how can Lotus use gcc to compile a commercial program ?

If you use gcc to compile a program, you can do what you like with the
source and gcc-produced object code for your program.

If you use *source code from gcc* in your program, your program must be
distributed under the terms of the GPL.

If you link the object code of your program with GNU libraries to make
an executable program, that program must be distributed according to 
the GNU *library* public license.

So Lotus can, for example, compile a C program with gcc and then link it
with their own non-GNU version of the C libraries to produce an executable
which they can do what they like with.

That's the intent of the GPL and GLPL, as far as I can make out; 
whether it will all work in court is a different matter.


mathew

-- 
Another would-be Mac owner put off by Apple's monopolistic practices.