Re: C++ price
Hello Robert and Jason,
Robert... you are essentially correct in your interpretation of the GNU
license. Too many people MISinterpret the license and are fearful of using
the products as a result. It's a pity because it wasn't intended to have
that effect.
Jason... the new Borland C/C++ compiler (version 5.5) is a professional
compiler (the same one used in the C++ Builder 5.0 product) and it's also
free. It's license in no way restricts you from developing and selling your
own software. In addition, Borland/Inprise recently released their Turbo
Debugger (TD32.exe) for use with the 5.5 C/C++ compiler and it's also free.
Hope this helps... Lee.
Robert Craig wrote:
>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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