Re: [Firebird-devel] Warning: readline is GPL - incompatible with MPL

["Joe Moore" <joemoore@iegrec.org>]

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