Re: [Firebird-devel] Warning: readline is GPL - incompatible with MPL
Steve Langasek wrote:
> On Wed, Aug 07, 2002 at 08:53:18AM -0600, Joe Moore wrote:
>> Steve Langasek wrote:
>> > Users do not violate the GPL: the GPL does not govern use of a
>> > program.
>> > But it would be illegal for Debian to *ship* a version of FireBird
>> > that uses libreadline.
>
>> On further research,
>> http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#IfLibraryIsGPL seems to imply
>> that linking a program to a GPL library (even for personal use) means
>> the program must be GPL.
>
>> This seems like a contradiction.
>
> I've noticed that the FSF's GPL FAQ does a rather embarrassing job of
> distinguishing between use and distribution/modification. Section 0 of
> the GPL says:
>
> Activities other than copying, distribution and modification are not
> covered by this License; they are outside its scope. The act of
> running the Program is not restricted, and the output from the
> Program is covered only if its contents constitute a work based on
> the
> Program (independent of having been made by running the Program).
>
> This clearly trumps anything that might be in the GPL FAQ.
And section 4 says:
You may not copy, modify, sublicense, or distribute the Program except
as expressly provided under this License.
Since there is no express permission to modify (and _not_ distribute), this
modification would not be allowed, right? So the user can't modify his own
copy for personal use, without following all of section 2's requirements?
(2a-prominant notice and 2c-changed interactive message. 2b is satisfied)
--Joe
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