Re: Problem with GPLv3 FAQ about linking with Visual C++

[Hyman Rosen]

On 2/2/2010 1:52 AM, Antonis Christofides wrote:
> On Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:07:42 -0500
> Hyman Rosen<hyrosen@mail.com>  wrote:
> > > Is dynamically linking my program with the Visual C++  (or
> > > Visual Basic) run-time library permitted under the GPL?
> >
> > The program as you distribute it does not contain a copy
> > of the dynamic library integrated into it, so it is not
> > relevant that the library is used when the program runs.
> > Since copyright restricts only the copying and distribution
> > of covered works, you may distribute your program under the
> > terms of the GPL even if it dynamically links to non-free
> > libraries when executed. The system library exemption of the
> > GPL never comes into play.
>
> I don't think that this is correct. When I distribute the program in
> binary form, I also need to distribute the "Corresponding Source"
> under the GPL-3, and this is defined as "all the source code needed
> to ... run the object code", except for the System Libraries. Since the
> dynamic library is needed to run my program, its source is part of the
> Corresponding Source, unless it is a System Library.

You can still run the object code even if the dynamic libraries
are absent. The program's behavior will be different than if the
libraries were present, but no particular behavior is required.