Java, Python and GPL
Hi; me again. Question this time regards packaging Jython (www.jython.org),
a pure Java implementation of python.
Jython is currently subject to a DFSG-compilant but possibly GPL-incompatible
license similar to that of python 2.0.
Jython also includes a class (ReadlineConsole.class) that links with the
LGPLed lib-readline-java Java classes (uploaded to debian today) that in turn
links to the GPLed libreadline.so using JNI (the Java-C interface).
Under default operation the ReadlineConsole class will not be used. If a
particular option is set in the jython configuration file, Jython will use
ReadlineConsole which in turn links with libreadline.so.
Given that neither libreadline.so nor the LGPLed lib-readline-java classes
are packaged as a part of Jython, and given the nature of java linking which
is somewhat different from C linking, which of the following scenarios
applies:
1) A binary distribution of Jython may include ReadlineConsole.class - it is
up to the user to not violate the GPL.
2) A binary distribution of Jython may not include ReadlineConsole.class, but
the corresponding source file ReadlineConsole.java may still be included in
the sourceball.
3) The source file ReadlineConsole.java should be removed before anything is
distributed.
Furthermore, would it be legal to use reflection to see if functions
Readline.readline() and Readline.initReadline() exist and if so call them?
Neither myself nor the Jython developer I am talking with are lawyers; any
input from this list would be appreciated.
I'm CCing this to the Jython development list since IMHO this is an issue
that transcends the debian packaging and affects Jython distribution in
general.
Thanks,
Ben.
--
Ben Burton
benb@acm.org | bab@debian.org
http://baasil.humbug.org.au/bab/
Public Key: finger bab@debian.org
If God dislikes gays so much, how come he picked Michelangelo, a known
homosexual, to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling while assigning Anita to
go on TV and push orange juice?
- Chicago columnist Mike Royko
Reply to: