Re: C++ price
Jason Leit writes:
> They are forced by law not only to release their sofwtare free of
> charge, they are forced by law to do it by releasing the
> SOURCE CODE to any application compiled with a GNU
> compiler. You wrote a cool game with DJGPP? Then you
> are forced to distribute the full source to it when you sell
> your game.
That's not my understanding of the situation.
I don't think it's as bad as that.
There are two different GNU licences: The General Licence
and the Library Licence. If you want to modify the
GNU compiler itself, read the General License - it's much
as you describe. However most people just want to *use*
the compiler. In that case you should read the Library licence.
It says that as long as you don't statically-link (i.e. incorporate
their .obj's into your .exe) then they have no claim on your program
at all. You are free to rely on shared libraries or .dlls.
If you choose to statically link their libraries then you
must make your .obj's available to your users so
they can re-link your .exe with modified versions
of GNU library routines. You do not have to reveal your source,
and you can sell your product for as much money as you like.
Remember: In GNU terminology, "Free" software
refers to *freedom* not dollars. You can charge anything
you like for "free software", if your customers are willing to pay it.
Regards,
Rob Craig
Rapid Deployment Software
http://www.RapidEuphoria.com
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