GPL again (was IFS in RPG)

["John Taylor" <jtaylor@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: rpg400-l-admin@midrange.com [mailto:rpg400-l-admin@midrange.com]On
> Behalf Of David Gibbs
>
> Why would GPL make code useless?
>
> If I recall correctly, GPL is only a hassle if you are redistributing the
> code ... if you're just using it, you don't have to do anything special.

>From the GPL FAQ @ www.gnu.org

Q. If a library is released under the GPL (not the LGPL), does that mean
that any program which uses it has to be under the GPL?

A. Yes, because the program as it is actually run includes the library.


As I read this, I understand it to mean that if I use a GPL service program
to access IFS files from within my A/R system, that system must now also be
licensed as GPL.


> *MOST* shops use code, they don't redistribute it.

But are they prepared to say that they'd *never* distribute it? And to
fundamentally give up their right to ever do so by using GPL code for some
simple purpose, like accessing IFS files?


>
> Unless I'm not understanding your qualms about using GPL.
>

I can't accept the fact that using GPL code within your project forces the
entire project to be GPL. For those programmers contemplating doing so for
some in house software, I wonder if the owners of the company understand the
ramifications of that decision? If they do, I have difficulty believing that
most of them would accept such terms.



John Taylor