Re: testing before a release

[Aaron M. Renn]

Etienne M. Gagnon (address@hidden) wrote:
> > Note the GPL + exception is only a permission to "reuse contributed code 
> > without
> > any source-code redistribution obkigation" if you "link this library". 
> > If you take
> > contributed code and use it apart from the library, or if you modify the 
> > code in the
> > library, then the GPL applies.
> 
> Ah hah!  This is quite different than RMS's interpretation.  He wote to me 
> (in a 
> message CC'ed to both Brian and Paul) that if I write derivative work, I have
> the choice carrying the exception text into the modified version.

I don't know why this would be a problem for you.  It gives you the option -
but not the requirement - to license your derivative version under the 
regular GPL instead of the GPL+Exception.   The LGPL also has language to
this effect. 
 
> If this is not possible, it means the following:
> 
> If I modify Classpath code to adapt Classpath for my VM, then Classpath
> becomes GPLed, and thus my VM has to be GPLed as all applications running on 
> it,
> (e.g. I cannot run the SPEC benchmarks, javac, or any non GPL compatible app).
> 
> If this is really the case, I will stop using Classpath.  I think that Intel 
> will
> also be very interested to know about this restriction, as they probably 
> modified
> Classpath a little so that it works with ORP.

I think what Per is getting at is that if you modify the library, the
requirements of the GPL apply to the modified library code.  So if you
modify Classpath for your VM, you still have to distribute the modified
source code, pass along the same rights to modify and distribute, etc.
However, the requirements of the GPL would not apply to the VM or any
other outside code it is linked against.  This is the "Exception".  The
Classpath libraries always have to be free software, anything it links
to does not.

You are free to license your VM under the GPL or any other license
you like and still use the Classpath library.  You can also modify
the Classpath library and it does not affect your VM license.  But
the modified library code itself has to remain free software under
its current license.
 
-- 
Aaron M. Renn (address@hidden) http://www.urbanophile.com/arenn/

"We have a choice, either to change the way we live, which is unacceptable, 
or to change the way that they live, and we chose the latter."
  - Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, News briefing, 2001-09-18