Re: GNU TLS OpenSSL compatibility layer under GPL, not LGPL

[Simon Josefsson <jas@extundo.com>]

Steve Langasek <vorlon@netexpress.net> writes:

> Hi Shaul,
>
> On Thu, Jan 16, 2003 at 12:50:57PM +0200, Shaul Karl wrote:
>>   Can someone explain what is the problem with the following situation?
>> In particular, why it is important here to have the OpenSSL layer
>> relicense under the LGPL?
>
> Think of the case of an LGPL library that wants to include SSL
> functionality.  If it links against the GPLed GNU TLS layer, it cannot be
> used by GPL-incompatible apps, because the GPL requires the application
> to be distributed under the terms of the GPL; if it links against the
> OpenSSL libs, it cannot be used by GPL apps, which require the same thing
> of the libraries.

There is a third option: Make the library use GNU TLS natively,
without the OpenSSL compatibility layer.  GNU TLS core is LGPL.