Re: embedded development vs. GPL (was: Re: Sarge Release?)
On Wed, Aug 11, 2004 at 11:54:33AM -0600, Nate Duehr wrote:
> On Wed, August 11, 2004 5:58, James said:
>
> > Let's face it, most of linux's problems are a result on not being
> > about to recruit a sufficient talent pool of low level embedded
> > developers. Most of those that do convert (after a convoluted learning
> > path) end up at a proprietary shop that puts linux on a processor, and
> > hides the key low level details.....
>
> I would add a note here, a recent discussion of licenses on an embedded
> microcontroller list that shall remain anonymous pointed out that the GPL
> (and more appropriately the LGPL)'s restrictions on static linking make it
> VERY difficult to develop for embedded processors using Linux and create a
> marketable product.
>
IIRC the idea of lgpl is to solve the problem of marketability with the
gpl. The reason the main c libraries and also some other stuff is lgpl
is to allow commercial programs under linux.
> Most compilers for small microcontrollers can't take advantage of dynamic
> linking, there's simply not enough storage space on the devices.
>
AFAIK the problem with dynamic linking with embedded systems is more
with the existence of an mmu and less with space limitations.
> Statically linking brings bad connotations under the LGPL, so development
> of libraries for embedded microcontrollers end up choosing to use licenses
> like Artistic, BSD, etc.
>
> I'm just repeating this summary comment from another mailing list as I'm
> curious how the Debianistas feel about this. If I were an embedded
> developer this would be highly disappointing/discouraging. (I'm not.)
> Personally I'm just curious what folks who eat and breathe licenses think
> about this situation.
>
> Unfortunately I'll send it to -laptop since I'm not subscribed to the
> tidal-wave known as -devel. ;-)
>
> Maybe I'll cross-post to -user... hmm. Okay. Just this once.
>
> --
> Nate Duehr, nate@natetech.com
>
>
>
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